Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

This was my mom, what can we do about this? The locket he had in his pocket was a picture of her and me.

DUNEDIN --

A St. Petersburg man was arrested on Thursday after deputies said he stole jewelry from a corpse while he was in the home to recover her body.

Deputies responded to a home on Pinehurst Road in Dunedin around 12:46 p.m. to conduct a death investigation. During their investigation, an employee from Alternate Transport Service Inc., who was contracted through Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home in Clearwater, arrived to the home to remove the body.

As the employee, identified as 44-year-old Terrance Stubblefield, was leaving the home, deputies said they noticed a chain necklace hanging from his pocket. Deputies attempted to stop Stubblefield, who then entered his vehicle and placed the jewelry inside.

Deputies then questioned him about the jewelry, and he told them the jewelry belonged to his girlfriend.

Deputies were able to photograph the jewelry, valued at approximately $1,000, and show it to the victim's daughter. The victim's daughter was able to positively identify that the jewelry belonged to her mother, 88-year-old ----------- -------.

Deputies again questioned Stubblefield who admitted to the theft allegations.

Stubblefield has been charged with grand theft and was transported him to the Pinellas County Jail.


Asked on 8/22/14, 7:05 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Eric Trabin Lucid Legal, PLLC

The suspect is being prosecuted by the State. You should contact the State Attorney's Office and let them know you are related to the victim and want to be involved in the case.

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Answered on 8/22/14, 7:12 am
Kendall Horween Kendall L. Horween, P.A.

Hopefully, the locket was recovered. If it was it is now being held in evidence by the police. You can contact the State Attorney's office and ask them if it actually is in evidence. Technically, they dont need it for the case. A photo would suffice. However, it's always nicer to have the actual object. Either way you will get it back at some point. If it's not been recovered then maybe a plea bargain can be worked out that includes the return of the property. I'm sure the prosecutor on the case would talk with you about sentencing ideas. Good luck to you.

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Answered on 8/23/14, 3:29 am


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