Auto Burglary Suspects Charged with Dealing in Stolen Property

During the first 40-days of 2011, felony index crime in the City of Sarasota is more than 10% lower than the first 40-days of 2010. 

According to the Sarasota Police Department, the exception to this crime reduction trend has been auto burglaries.  There have been 94 auto burglaries reported in the 40-days, more than double the 46 reported in the same time period in 2010.  Most of the auto burglaries involved items being stolen from vehicle that were left unlocked.

On Friday, Feb. 11, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit arrested John Hothersall, Victoria Macminn, and Thomas Ashkettle, a police press release said.  

According to police, Macminn admitted to driving Hothersall and Ashkettle around Sarasota so that they could “Car Hop”.  Hothersall and Ashkettle would take cash and electronics from vehicles, and then pawn the electronics in the days following the burglaries.

John Hothersall, 19, homeless, admitted to stealing items from vehicles and then pawning the stolen items.  He, police said, has been charged with six cases of dealing in stolen property and defrauding a pawnbroker. 

Thomas Ashkettle, 18, 1010 Bacon Road, admitted to stealing items from vehicles and then pawning the stolen items, according to a police report.  He has been charged with dealing in stolen property and defrauding a pawnbroker. 

Victoria Macminn, 18, 4103 Arrow Place, was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana.  

The auto burglaries and dealing in stolen property cases occurred in the City of Sarasota, and in the unincorporated portions of Sarasota County.  The Police said investigations are continuing and additional charges are anticipated against these defendants.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Rex Troche at 941-364-7336.