Deputies in Seminole County have arrested a pest control worker after they say he stole jewelry from a client and then illegally pawned the items.
According to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), a Winter Springs woman scheduled a termite inspection at her home with Massey Services, Inc. back in October.
Deputies say a Massey worker, later identified as 39-year-old Matthew Blake of Winter Springs, came to the home and during the inspection the victim said Blake went to the upstairs of the home by himself.
Investigators say on Jan 28, the victim went to her jewelry box to retrieve an item and noticed numerous pieces of jewelry were missing. She told deputies that Blake was the only other person in her home over the last few months.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation revealed that Blake had pawned multiple pieces of jewelry at Value Pawn in Longwood.
Deputies said they were able to have the items placed on hold and photographed. The victim was shown the photographs and positively identified 17 pieces of the pawned jewelry, valued at more than $10,000.
Blake was arrested and charged with eight counts of dealing in stolen property, eight counts of providing false verification of ownership to a pawn dealer, and grand theft.
During an inventory of the truck Blake drove for Massey Services, Inc. once it was returned, deputies said the company found cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the truck. Blake was then charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigators say they are not aware of any other thefts involving Blake, but urge anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact the SCSO at (407) 665-6650.