Maintenance Man Accused of Stealing Antique Guns

A 34-year-old St. Petersburg man faces criminal charges after Pinellas County Sheriff’s detectives say he stole antique guns and attempted to sell them to undercover officers.

The case against Roberth Arroyave began to unfold back on March 31, 2014, when a burglary occurred at the Town Apartments, 1900 61st Ave. N. Deputies say at least two other thefts took place between then and Feb. 22. Items stolen during the thefts included several antique shotguns, an antique rifle and an antique map. A walking cane that converts into a .22 caliber firearm was also swiped in one instance.

During the course of investigating the cases, detectives found that in all three cases maintenance personnel had entered the apartments to check for “leaks,” an email from the sheriff’s office to media stated.

Because the items swiped were so unusual, detectives began working with local antique dealers to identify a suspect. Arroyave, who was a maintenance worker at the apartment complex, was eventually identified in the case after deputies say he tried to sell the walking cane at one antique shop and had possession of several antique firearms.

On Thursday, detectives say Arroyave tried to sell them to mid-1800s rifles.

He was subsequently charged with burglary and dealing in stolen property.

The investigation is ongoing.

Arroyave remained in the Pinellas County Jail Friday in lieu of $20,000 bond.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

See Also:

• 2 Charged in Burglary of Cop Car
• State Investigating Death of Lawyers’ Toddler in Hot Car

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