11 Arrested in Shocking Burglary and Environmental Crime Ring at Home of Active-Duty Airman

iSkyNewsdesk | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published March 21, 2025

LAKELAND, FL – What began as a burglary investigation has uncovered a sprawling network of theft, environmental violations, and drug activity involving 11 suspects who took over the property of a U.S. Air Force active-duty service member stationed 2,000 miles away.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced the arrests after responding to a 911 call on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from the 38-year-old victim who had noticed a dramatic spike in his Florida home's electricity bill while serving in North Dakota. He asked deputies to check on his property in South Lakeland, and what they found was shocking.

Living in a Shed, Stealing from a Hero

When deputies arrived, they found Brindy Matos, 39, living in a shed on the locked and fenced property. Inside, they found not only the homeowner's stolen belongings but also meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Her boyfriend, Anthony Maddox Jr., 31, fled the scene but was later located hiding behind shelves in a nearby garage.

The victim’s home and all of the outbuildings had been broken into, and numerous items were stolen, including a 2007 black Toyota Cruiser, a John Deere riding lawn mower, a golf cart, children’s toys, and household goods. His mother’s car was also taken—she had moved to North Dakota with him so he could help care for her.

Illegal Landfill and Drugs Found at Neighboring Property

During the investigation, detectives traced stolen property to a nearby lot where conditions were described as hazardous and filthy—raw sewage, leaking oil barrels, trash, and drug use. Several suspects were found living in sheds and motorhomes on the land, all tied to the theft and reselling of the stolen goods.

Deputies arrested nine additional suspects at this location, charging them with a range of crimes including environmental law violations, grand theft, burglary, and drug offenses.

So far, detectives have recovered over $50,000 worth of stolen property, but the investigation is ongoing. They are still searching for the Toyota Cruiser, the John Deere mower, and the golf cart.

Full List of Arrested Suspects & Charges

At the victim's residence:

Brindy Matos (DOB 01/11/1986):

Burglary
Possession of meth & marijuana
Drug paraphernalia

Anthony Maddox Jr. (DOB 01/30/1994):

Burglary
Trespassing
Resisting arrest (2 counts)
Outstanding warrant

At the neighboring property:

Dana Pereira, Michael Stone, Jonathan Smith, Beverly Reese, Dwayne Harris, Austin Shirah, Angela Keene, Troy Bumkens, and Kayla Strickland face numerous charges including:

Violating Florida litter law
Operating an unpermitted landfill
Creating a public nuisance
Possession of meth and other controlled substances
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Theft and burglary-related offenses

Sheriff Grady Judd Responds

“The scope and brazenness of this theft and denigration of private property is terrible. These ne’er-do-wells and crankers took advantage of an active-duty Air Force member serving our country 2,000 miles away. He left his property locked and secured, and moved his mother to be with him so he could take care of her. Nobody has a right to go onto another’s property to steal electricity and personal property. These people are a bunch of sorry folks—destroying people's property with no care for how their lawlessness affects others.” – Sheriff Grady Judd

📢 This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about the stolen vehicles or property is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

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