- April 26, 2024
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Patrick Michael Abel, 34, has been charged with stealing a utility trailer, valued at $2,000, from a Bunnell business on Steel Rail Drive.
The trailer has been returned to the business owner after Abel agreed to assist Bunnell Police Department detectives by providing the location in Okeechobee where he said he sold the trailer.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office recovered the trailer. There was no indication the buyer was aware that the trailer was stolen, according to a news release by the Bunnell Police Department.
Abel was charged with grand theft auto, a third degree felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Flagler County Inmate Facility with a bond of $40,000.
The trailer was reported stolen by the owner on Dec. 27. Business surveillance video revealed a red Chevrolet pickup pulling away with the trailer at 3:30 a.m. Dec. 23.
Bunnell Police issued a regional bulletin. With assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Real Time Crime Center, a suspect vehicle and license tag were determined. Abel was identified as the registered owner of the vehicle. On Jan. 1, an FCSO deputy located the pickup at 35 Brunswick Lane, Palm Coast.
Abel initially denied he was in Flagler County during the morning hours of Dec. 23,according to the news release, but after detectives informed him the theft was captured on video surveillance, he admitted to stealing the trailer and selling it in Okeechobee.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections website, Abel was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to a year and six months on charges of grand theft, burglary and cocaine possession in Flagler and Volusia counties. He was released on April 7, 2023. He was also sentenced to prison on similar charges in 2014, 2017 and 2019, in Leon, Okeechobee and Indian River counties, according to the website.
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon applauded the efforts of detectives Jeff Traylor and Shane Groth in the case.
“After the recent launch of a full-time detective unit, I appreciate the tenacity shown in this case to bring a swift resolution for the victim. ... Also, we appreciate the assistance from our law enforcement partners, especially the Flagler County and the Okeechobee County sheriff’s offices.”
If anyone has additional information about this case, please contact Detective Sergeant Shane Groth at (386) 600-7950 or [email protected].
