Two teenagers, Adam Giordano, 16, and Justen Bowles, 17, were arrested in connection with multiple car thefts and burglaries in Babcock Ranch, Florida. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office announced that the duo faces several charges across both Charlotte and Lee counties.
The investigation began on January 5 when deputies responded to a stolen vehicle report on Palmetto Street. The car was found nearby with about 150 miles of gas used and a strong smell of marijuana inside. Security footage later confirmed that Giordano and Bowles had stolen the car around 8:30 p.m. and returned it just before midnight.
On January 10, deputies observed Giordano and two others at Jack Peeples Community Park after hours. When questioned, they took photographs of the group. The next day, deputies responded to another reported incident of attempted car burglary on Pinewood Bend, where video evidence implicated the same suspects.
Other residents reported similar thefts, including one case where a stolen car was returned covered in mud and nearly empty of gas. Further investigation revealed Giordano and Bowles were involved in a commercial burglary in Lee County, where they allegedly broke into a vape shop, stealing products and leaving in another stolen vehicle.
Giordano confessed to the crimes, including the car thefts and the Lee County break-in. Bowles was arrested shortly after. Both teenagers now face charges in Charlotte County and additional charges in Lee County.