Crime & Safety
Tampa Man Stole Gold Bars From UPS Driver: Hillsborough Sheriff
A Tampa man used a fake ID to steal more than $20,000 worth of gold bars from a UPS delivery driver, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.
TAMPA, FL — A Tampa man faces multiple charges for stealing more than $20,000 worth of gold bars, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Vitalijs Apetenoks, 33, approached a UPS delivery driver in the 14900 block of Aire Place on March 6 and claimed a package was his.
After checking the identification, the driver gave the package to Apetenoks. The ID he used was fraudulent and the owner reported the package as stolen, the sheriff’s office said.
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The suspect was caught on doorbell camera video footage accepting the package from the driver.
A warrant was issued for his arrest on March 13. He was arrested in New Jersey on March 17, when he tried to leave the country from Newark Airport, the sheriff’s office said.
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Apetenoks was charged with fraudulent use of personal information, organized fraud $20,000 to $50,000 and grand theft in the second degree.
"Stealing from our community will not be tolerated, and fleeing our state won't stop us from catching you," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "We'll continue to pursue these criminals and make sure anyone involved in these thefts faces the full consequences."
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