Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Burglary and Pawn Unit

Roberth Arroyave (Arrested)
DOB: 03/16/1981
Address: 6170 31st Avenue North, St. Petersburg.
Arrested for one-count burglary and one-count dealing in stolen property.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Burglary and Pawn Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg apartment maintenance worker for burglary and dealing in stolen property after he stole several antique firearms from apartment units at the complex at which he was employed. Detectives investigated the thefts and through their investigation determined the suspect had attempted to sell the stolen items to an antique dealer. The suspect was arrested after he attempted to sell two stolen rifles to undercover detectives.

When:
The suspect was arrested at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

The thefts occurred on at least three occasions between March 31, 2014 and February 22, 2015.

Where:
The thefts occurred at various units at the Town Apartment Complex located at 1900 61st Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
According to investigators, on March 31, 2014 a residential burglary occurred at one of the units at the Town Apartments which involved the theft of a shotgun.

A second residential burglary occurred on September 20, 2014 at another unit at the same apartment complex. Detectives say this one involved the theft of an antique rifle, a shotgun and an antique map. Also taken was a walking cane with a handle with the form of a dog's head that converts to a .22. caliber firearm.

On February 22, 2015, a third residential burglary occurred where a 1898 antique rifle and shot gun were taken from within.

Detectives say it was determined in all three cases that maintenance personnel had entered the various apartments just before the thefts were reported for reasons including to check a "leak."

Due to the uniqueness of the items stolen, detectives began to work with local antique dealers. Through various investigative techniques, detectives learned that the suspect identified as 34-year-old Roberth Arroyave attempted to sell  the walking cane at one of the antique shops; and furthermore learned that he had in his possession a shotgun and two other antique rifles.

Detectives also determined that Arroyave was employed as a maintenance worker at the Town Apartments.

On May 14, 2015, Arroyave attempted to sell two mid-1800 rifles to undercover detectives. Arroyave was arrested for one-count burglary and one count dealing in stolen property. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

A subsequent search of the suspect's home uncovered two additional antique rifles and an antique painting. All of the items were determined to have been reported stolen from units at the apartment complex.

The investigation continues.