GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two individuals have been arrested after allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of collectibles from a Gainesville store and then attempting to sell the stolen items back to the same location.
Kristian Lee Lajoie, 29, and Jessica Ann Mells, 41, were both charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property in connection to the April 21 incident at 2nd & Charles on NW 13th Street.
Police say Mells distracted employees with questions while Lajoie stole a vinyl display case containing collectibles and trading cards worth $1,060.69. Two days later, Mells returned to the store and pawned one of the stolen action figures for $15, using her Florida ID.
On April 24, Lajoie attempted to resell the remaining stolen items to the same store. Employees delayed the transaction and contacted police after he left. Surveillance footage confirmed both suspects’ involvement, and they were identified through ID cards presented during their pawn attempts.
Mells, arrested on May 8, has a history of 12 felony and 8 misdemeanor convictions, including recent charges tied to a stolen guitar from Guitar Center. She now faces multiple charges, with her total bail set at $87,500.
Lajoie, arrested on May 12, has three prior felony convictions. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set his bail at $45,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
