Security guard arrested in retirement center thefts

Historic City News has been informed that a Glenmoor Retirement Community security guard has been arrested today and is in custody in the St Johns County Detention Facility; charged with burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, exploitation of the elderly and defrauding a pawn broker.

At his first appearance hearing in the morning, 20-year-old Andrew Michael Schmidt, who resides at 80 Corunna Street, will answer charges that he stole numerous pieces of jewelry, silver coins and bars, and currency from an 82-year-old resident of the retirement center where he was employed.

According to the investigative report, detectives determined that Schmidt took the items over a three-month period and pawned the items at three different pawn shops in the St Augustine area.

The investigation began on December 24, when the victim, who resides at the center on Towerview Drive, noticed that, over a period of time, several pieces of jewelry had gone missing from a jewelry box in his bedroom. He reported the disappearance to the Sheriff’s Office.

In the course of the investigation, property, matching the description of the missing jewelry, was discovered to have been pawned by Schmidt. The suspect was located today and brought in for questioning before he was arrested.

Detectives have discovered additional property that Schmidt has pawned; although the rightful owners have yet to be identified. Schmidt may face additional charges pending further investigation.