A Lake Wales man, William Ormand, III, was arrested on January 18 in connection with the burglary and theft of a boat and trailer earlier this month. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the theft took place on January 5 on Mammoth Grove Road in Lake Wales.
A witness reported seeing a red 4-door Dodge pickup truck towing the stolen boat and trailer. The witness, who was familiar with Ormand, identified him as a possible suspect, noting that he was known to work in the area and often drove a similar vehicle.
Authorities quickly located the stolen boat and trailer at the Lake Easy boat ramp in Babson Park, thanks to a tip from an officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. Ormand initially denied any involvement when contacted by detectives, claiming he had not been at the property where the theft occurred.
Detectives found further evidence linking Ormand to the crime. They noticed footprints at the scene that closely resembled the sole of Ormand’s boots. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s Identification Section later confirmed that fingerprints found on the stolen boat matched Ormand’s.
On January 18, after further investigation, Ormand was located and arrested. He was charged with burglary and grand theft and taken to the Polk County Jail.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to gather more details on the theft and any potential additional suspects.
