48-year-old accused of stealing over $16,000 in jewelry while working at victim’s home
LAKE WALES, Fla. – A 48-year-old Lake Wales man with a history of theft convictions has been apprehended in connection with the grand theft of over $16,000 worth of jewelry from an elderly woman, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Jason Cunningham was arrested without incident on July 20th by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who located his vehicle and surrounded a residence on Candlewood Drive.
Cunningham had been sought on a Polk County warrant for Grand Theft from a Person 65 or Older, stemming from an incident reported in early May.
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The victim told detectives she had hired Cunningham to perform work at her Lake Wales home while she was recuperating from surgery. It was during this period that the valuable jewelry disappeared.
According to the victim, only she and Cunningham had access to the jewelry, leading investigators to focus on him. Following the reported theft, Cunningham reportedly kept a low profile until a PCSO deputy spotted his vehicle on July 20th at approximately 12:22 PM.
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Detectives revealed that Cunningham has a criminal history that includes two prior theft convictions in 2004 and 2008. He has also faced previous arrests for battery and drug possession.
Cunningham was taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and faces charges related to the grand theft.
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