A Bartow woman is in custody after Polk County deputies say she orchestrated a burglary by deceiving local business owners into unknowingly removing thousands of dollars’ worth of property from a Winter Haven home.
The investigation began on December 22, when deputies responded to a reported break-in at a residence on Eloise Cove Drive. Upon arrival, detectives determined that approximately $7,000 in property had been taken from the home.
A significant lead came from a neighbor who reported seeing a white Chevrolet pickup truck parked in the driveway around the time the items were removed.
Investigators traced the vehicle to a Bartow couple who operate a moving and hauling business. According to deputies, the business owners were cooperative and provided an explanation for their presence at the property.
The couple told investigators they had been hired by Kerry Horne, 41, of Bartow, who claimed her mother had been evicted and needed immediate help removing belongings from the home before a deadline. Deputies said Horne allegedly proposed a deal in which the movers would transport the items, sell them through their store, and keep half of the proceeds. The business owners provided documentation supporting their account.
Detectives later located Horne, who ultimately admitted to fabricating the eviction story to facilitate the removal of the property, according to investigators.
Horne was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and is facing charges including:
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Burglary
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Grand Theft
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Dealing in Stolen Property
The charges are allegations, and Horne is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.