He let the mask slip.
A heavily disguised St. Augustine man was arrested for burglary after he removed his mask inside a neighbor’s home—unaware he was being recorded, according to court records.
Deputies say the 57-year-old suspect lived just two doors down from the residence he targeted. Wearing a mask and hood, he broke into the home October 4, then took them off once inside, exposing his face to interior security cameras.
Video captured him rummaging through several rooms, stuffing about $1,000 in jewelry into a bag before heading to the garage, where he stole a bicycle and pedaled away, records show.
ST. AUGUSTINE MAN STEALS ROLEX, $10,000 IN CASH FROM HOME AS RESIDENTS SLEPT
He later went to a pawn shop and sold some of the stolen jewelry for $400. Investigators say he spent part of the cash on cigarettes, new clothes, and a Polar Pop drink.
Deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spotted him soon after at a Circle K with the beverage in hand.
When questioned, he initially denied any involvement but confessed after deputies showed him footage clearly depicting him inside the home.
He conceded that he was unaware he was being recorded.
The suspect, who was already on inmate release for a previous burglary, was taken into custody.
Deputies recovered $350 in cash and the unsold jewelry.
