DELAND, Fla. — A 20-time convicted felon and his girlfriend have been arrested in connection with a high-value residential burglary after leaving behind a beeping GPS ankle monitor at the crime scene, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO).
David Robitaille, who had previously performed landscaping work for the senior victims in the DeLand area, was extradited back to the Volusia County Branch Jail from Putnam County to face multiple armed burglary and theft charges.
Burglary, Pried Safe, and Stolen Property
Investigators determined that Robitaille targeted the home after learning the homeowners would be out of town for an extended period.
Once inside, the suspect pried open a gun safe and stole more than $27,000 in personal property, including 12 firearms, ammunition, and various power tools.
Surveillance and GPS Tracker Left Behind
Despite attempting to pull off the high-value heist undetected, Robitaille left behind critical forensic and electronic evidence at the scene:
- Home Surveillance: Security cameras installed at the residence captured clear footage of Robitaille during the break-in.
- Electronic Tracking: Robitaille, who was under active court-ordered supervision, left his court-issued GPS ankle monitor beeping inside the home’s garage.
A subsequent review of local pawn shop records revealed that Robitaille and his girlfriend, identified as Jennifer, had pawned or sold several of the stolen tools, firearms, and ammunition across the region.
Arrest and Formal Charges
Working in coordination with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Team, VSO detectives located both suspects in Putnam County and took them into custody without incident.
Robitaille, who holds a criminal record featuring 20 prior felony convictions, faces an extensive slate of charges:
- Burglary While Armed
- 12 Counts of Grand Theft of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Grand Theft from a Dwelling
- 3 Counts of Dealing in Stolen Property
- 3 Counts of Violation of the Pawnbrokers Act
His girlfriend, Jennifer, was also taken into custody and booked on multiple related felony charges stemming from the sale and disposal of the stolen property.