Three Arrested in Connection with Boat, Motor Theft
Thefts underscore the necessity for securing boats in canals behind residences

Posted Wednesday, November 26, 2008

 
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Stock Island - Sheriff's detectives arrested three people Tuesday, charging them in connection with the theft of a boat and motor.

The 14 foot boat with a 25 hp Johnson engine attached were reported stolen November 3rd from the water behind a residence in Sunset Harbor Trailer Park. On November 8th, the boat was recovered, abandoned at the Barcelona Drive boat ramp on Big Coppitt Key. The motor was missing from the boat.

On November 21st, Deputy Martin Malone received information the motor was a boat docked behind a home on El Monte Lane, Big Coppitt Key. Detective Juan Llera, who was assigned to investigate the case, responded to that location and did, indeed, find the motor there. The owner of the boat told the detective his friend, 18 year old Felix Valle, had given him the motor. Further investigation revealed the boat and motor were stolen from the vessel by 18 year old Fernando Concepcion and 16 year old James Moise. They were assisted in removing the motor by Valle, who then gave the motor to his friend on Big Coppitt Key. The motor was damaged during its removal from the vessel.

Concepcion and Moise were arrested Tuesday by Detective Llera and charged with grand theft and criminal mischief. Valle was arrested and charged with dealing in stolen property. All three men were booked into jail. The boat and motor were returned to their owner.