‘Porch Pirates’ Stole Packages, Cards From Manatee Homes: Sheriff

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL — A Manatee County couple is in jail for stealing packages from the doorsteps of multiple homes in Lakewood Ranch, authorities said.

Joseph Burden, 41, and Jessica McNew, 42, were arrested Tuesday after detectives tracked them to a Bradenton home and found evidence linking them to thefts throughout the county, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The couple and their vehicle were captured on doorbell cameras at various locations, giving detectives enough identifiable information to apprehend them on the same day as one of the videos while they were wearing the same clothing.

One video shows Burden and McNew backing a car into the driveway of a home and then walking up to the front door and each grabbing a package before getting back in their vehicle and driving away, the sheriff’s office said.

During the investigation, the license tag of the car was seen on camera and later confirmed to be the same vehicle seen at several of the suspected crime scenes.

Detectives got a search warrant for a home and a detached shed in the 1600 block of 51st Ave E. in Bradenton, where they found packages and various personal property.

A large assortment of envelopes with Christmas cards and other mail, likely removed from mailboxes, were found in the trunk of their car. Detectives also found an array of personal identification information.

Burden and McNew are both charged with multiple counts of grand theft from a residence. The investigation continues with additional charges expected.