A suspect in the theft of a trailer is in custody today after video of the theft was posted to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page Thursday morning. An anonymous tipster called in after watching the video, leading to the recovery of the trailer and the arrest of Thomas Pusey (9/18/74).
Charlotte County deputies responded to 19500 Peachland Blvd in Port Charlotte on March 13 after the victim called to report his trailer was stolen from the property. The 20 foot, dual axle trailer contained wood beams and stakes related to construction work. The victim estimated the total value of the trailer and wood material to be approximately $6,000.
Surveillance video was obtained from a nearby business depicting the theft of the trailer by a Chevrolet truck. The video was posted to the Sheriff’s Office social media in the morning on Thursday, March 14. That same evening, Detectives were notified that an anonymous tip led to the discovery of the trailer on the property of 12153 Poindexter Avenue in Punta Gorda. The trailer was parked to the side of the residence and was plainly visible from the road, to include the construction material laying inside. Also present at the residence was a pewter colored 2003 Chevrolet Silverado truck that matched the truck in the surveillance video.
Contact was made with the occupants of the residence. Two of the subjects were identified as Shirley Fleck (owner of the residence and the Chevy truck) and Thomas Pusey. Fleck (DOB 2/6/60) advised that Pusey is her boyfriend and has permission to drive her truck. She advised on the evening of March 13 Pusey did arrive home towing the trailer, advising her it was given to him. Fleck said that Pusey has brought multiple trailers back to the residence to sell.
Statements were obtained from the other subjects inside the residence. All of the subjects spoke to the same information; that Pusey brought the trailer back to the residence to “sell” and could not provide anyone more information on the owner.
Thomas Pusey initially agreed to provide a statement to detectives, but requested a lawyer when asked if he stole the trailer. Thomas Pusey was arrested and charged with Burglary, Grand Theft, and Tampering with Evidence (for spray painting the trailer).
Detectives also obtained a search warrant for the residence due to the possibility of additional stolen property on the premise. The search warrant was served at approximately 8:20am this morning. No additional stolen items were located but Pusey will be facing additional drug charges related to meth found in his property inside the home.
It’s great to have the Community behind the sheriffs office giving them great information. Thank that person for notifying the sheriffs office.
Was the Boy Scout trailer ever found?
Good job guys