Snatching Packages From Porches Elevated To 2nd-Degree Felony

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Anyone who swipes groceries or other deliveries from their neighbors' front porches during the coronavirus pandemic will face bigger penalties upon arrest.

Due to Gov. Ron DeSantis' declaration of a statewide emergency, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said porch pirates now face second-degree burglary charges, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

With so many people having groceries and other supplies delivered to their homes during the statewide Stay-At-Home order, Chronister said unscrupulous people will inevitably take advantage of the situation.

That's what one Plant City homeowner discovered last week.

On April 9 at 12:34 p.m., thieves were caught on video camera snatching a package from a porch in the 5600 block of Griffin Road. The video showed Dustin James Johnson, 26, and Stacey Lynn Sacco, 34, working together to steal the Amazon package, according to the sheriff's office.

"No matter the crime, our deputies take every case seriously," said Chronister. "Victimizing people during a crisis will not be tolerated and our team is out in full force ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens."