ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A St. Augustine man was arrested Thursday after a police investigation found he had been stealing items from an elderly woman and selling them to pawn shops.
Andrew Michael Schmidt of Corunna Street faces charges of burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, exploitation of the elderly and defrauding a pawn broker. The 20-year-old was booked into St. Johns County jail Thursday and will have a first appearance hearing Friday.
Schmidt worked as a security guard at a Glenmoor Retirement Community. He is accused of stealing numerous pieces of jewelry, silver coins and bars, and currency from an 82-year-old resident. Schmidt allegedly took the items over a three-month period and pawned the items at three St. Augustine pawn shops.
The investigation began Dec. 24, after the victim noticed jewelry missing from a jewelry box in her bedroom and contacted police.
Detectives also found other items that Schmidt pawned. Police expect more charges after the investigation is complete.