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Deputies say maintenance worker stole antique weapons from tenants at St. Petersburg apartment complex

 
Roberth Arroyave is accused of burglarizing apartments at the complex where he served as a maintenance man. [Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
Roberth Arroyave is accused of burglarizing apartments at the complex where he served as a maintenance man. [Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
Published May 15, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — A maintenance worker stole several antique firearms and other items from tenants in the apartment complex where he worked, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Roberth Arroyave, 34, burglarized several units in the Town Apartments at 1900 61st Ave. N between March 31, 2014 and February 22 of this year, deputies said. His haul is believed to include three shotguns, antique rifles, an antique map and a special cane that can be converted to a .22 caliber firearm, according to authorities.

In each burglary case, deputies said, maintenance staff at the complex had entered the apartments to check a "leak" shortly before the items went missing.

Investigators contacted local antique dealers and learned that Arroyave had tried to sell the cane, which had a handle with the form of a dog's head, within the last year. Thursday afternoon, according to the Sheriff's Office, Arroyave attempted to sell two rifles from the mid-1800s to undercover detectives.

He faces charges of burglary and dealing in stolen property. After arresting Arroyave Thursday, deputies searched his home. According to the Sheriff's Office, they found two old rifles inside as well as an antique painting, all of which were reported stolen from Town Apartments.

No further information was immediately available. Detectives are continuing to investigate.