Florida Pawn Shop Inspection Leads To Recovery Of Stolen Equipment Worth Thousands, One Arrest

Authorities in Florida say a “routine” pawn shop inspection led to the arrest of a man for allegedly stealing more than $40,000 worth of equipment from his employer since 2023.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said that when detectives recently conducted an inspection at a local pawn shop, they identified a “brand-new” blower that had been pawned and traced it back to a roofing company.

Further investigation revealed the roofing company’s warehouse manager, identified as 35-year-old Joshua Maier, had been stealing equipment from his employer and pawning it for cash since 2023.

Investigators recovered “several thousand dollars’ worth” of stolen equipment including generators, ladders, drills and other items.

The sheriff’s office said that when Maier was arrested, detectives allegedly found cocaine in his possession.

Maier was charged with possession of cocaine; three counts of third-degree grand theft ($750–$5,000); 43 counts of first-degree petit theft ($100–$749); third-degree grand theft while wearing a mask ($10,000–$20,000); 20 counts of false information on a pawnbroker form (under $300); 25 counts of false information on a pawnbroker form (over $300); and 47 counts of dealing in stolen property.