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Five Arrested In Pinellas School Burglaries

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: February 20, 2008

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Five suspects were arrested Tuesday on charges connected with six recent burglaries or thefts of vending machines at East Lake, Palm Harbor University and Tarpon Springs high schools

One of the suspects, Christopher Kuzma, also faces accusations of breaking into a Tarpon Springs home at 460 Centrewood Drive on Sept. 7, the Pinellas Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday night. Kuzma also was wanted in Pennsylvania on charges of two home invasion robberies in June 2006.

The commercial burglaries and thefts to the vending machines at the high schools happened between Jan. 14 and Feb. 7, Pinellas detectives report.

Detectives say the suspects stole more than $2,000 in cash and coins during the school burglaries between Jan. 14 and Feb. 7. The suspects are accused of causing about $7,000 in damage to the vending machines.

According to detectives, on Jan. 31 deputies responded to 2600 Warwick Terrace, Palm Harbor, to investigate a suspicious vehicle/possible drug transaction.

During the course of this investigation deputies arrested three subjects: Kuzma, 26, for loitering and prowling, possession of self propelled knife, violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia; 18 year-old David Thibodeau for possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia; and a third minor suspect for misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Subsequent interviews with the first two suspects led to interviews with three other suspects 19-year-old Jeffrey Isaacs; 18-year-old Joseph Libertino; and 17-year-old Michael McCormack.

All five said they were involved in the commercial burglaries and thefts to the vending machines at Pinellas County high schools.

In addition, detectives say that Kuzma's fingerprints were linked through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System to a Sept. 7 residential burglary at 460 Centrewood, Tarpon Springs, in which about $30,000 in cash, jewelry, household good and sports memorabilia were taken. Kuzma was arrested on one count of residential burglary on this case.

The five suspects and charges are, according to the Pinellas Sheriff's Office release:

• Christopher Kuzma, 26, 1707 Hibiscus Circle North, Oldsmar, arrested on counts of loitering and prowling, possession of self-propelled knife, violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts commercial burglary and a residential burglary.

• David Thibodeau, 18, 4941 Felicity Way, Palm Harbor, arrested on one count of possession of burglary tools and three counts commercial burglary.

• Jeffrey M. Isaacs, 19, 4274 Enfield Court, Palm Harbor, arrested on one count of commercial burglary.

• Joseph J. Libertino, 18, 13033 Lucille Drive, Hudson, arrested on two counts of commercial burglary.

• Michael McCormack, 17, 4477 Fallbrook Boulevard, Palm Harbor, arrested on two counts of commercial burglary and one felony violation of probation.

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