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Two Charged in Burglary at Powell Middle School

Brendon Pestana | Justin Hopkins | Arrests

A total of 19 laptop computers, which had a value of $9,500, were stolen from various classrooms, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

SPRING HILL – Two Spring Hill men have been arrested in connection with the July 7 burglary at Powell Middle School, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

Justin Hopkins, 21, and Brendon Pestana, 22, both of Spring Hill, were each charged with one count of burglary to an unoccupied structure.

The burglars, who broke in during early morning hours of July 7, took a total of 19 laptops, which had a total value of about $9.500, from various classrooms at the school 4100 Barclay Ave. in Spring Hill. Hours after the burglary, citizens traveling along the Suncoast Parkway bike trail found 14 of the stolen laptops along the wood line of the trail.

Hernando sheriff’s detectives assigned to the investigation viewed surveillance video from the school, which showed two suspects, one of whom was clearly captured on video. As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were identified as Hopkins and Pestana.

Patrol deputies found Pestana at his home on Friday (July 13) and took him into custody. Deputies said Pestana confessed and led detectives to his bedroom where the five remaining stolen laptops were found. Those laptops will eventually be returned to school officials at the conclusion of the investigation.

On Saturday (July 14), deputies said they found Hopkins near his home. When deputies tried to arrest him, Hopkins fled on foot. Shortly after a K-9 team began tracking him, deputies found Hopkins.

Deputies said Hopkins also admitted being in the school at the time of the burglary.

Photo shows Brendon Pestana, left, and Justin Hopkins.

 

Hernando Sheriff | Crime | Burglary | Arrests | Tampabay News

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