Crime & Safety
Couple Who Used Kid to Rip off Ron Jon, Hooters Caught
An anonymous tip from a citizen helped close the case.
A couple of suspects who used a young boy to help steal clothes and purses from Ron Jon Surf Shop and Hooters on Clearwater Beach have been caught.
Julio Angel Torres and Janet M. Soto, both of Kissimmee, were arrested at the Sunrise Bowling Center, 6393 N. Martin Luther King St. in St. Petersburg, on Tuesday evening, according to Clearwater Police.
A citizen saw a newscast about the suspects earlier in the day and called in an anonymous tip to St. Petersburg police.
Torres, 31, Soto, 37, and a 10-year old boy were seen stealing items and stashing them in a baby stroller Sunday at Ron Jon Surf Shop, 377 Mandalay Blvd., according to police.
Surveillance video also shows the boy going to a storage area at Hooters, 381 Mandalay Blvd., and taking purses from the back room, while Torres and Soto wait. They then direct the boy to put the purses in the stroller, as well. A 2-year old girl was also in the stroller, according to police.
A stolen debit card was used at the Target, 2747 Gulf to Bay Blvd., about an hour after the incidents, according to investigators.
Torres and Soto were arrested and charged with two counts of grand theft, burglary, credit card fraud and felony child neglect. Torres also faces a charge of violation of probation.
Both of the children were placed into custody of the Department of Children and Families, according to investigators.
Police seized the suspects' 2006 Acura, $575 in cash and two purses with stolen IDs and credit cards, according to investigators.
The investigation continues; more credit card charges may be forthcoming.
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