The Umansky Law Firm

A 27-year-old Bradenton man was charged with allegedly stealing library books from a Sarasota library last weekend. According to police, they caught him breaking into the Fruitville Public Library after it had closed. They watched him climb over a wall from the reading garden and arrested him.

The alleged thief had one book in his hand, but a dozen more were in his possession. Also found was a homemade tool used to smash a glass door pane to get into the library.

The man was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief for damage done to the library books.

Though there is no word on which library books were taken, it is highly unlikely the Fruitville Public Library contains any rare copies of books worth risking the chance of getting caught if stolen. Not to mention that these books are free, if you have a library card (also free).

The number of library books that make their way into the hands of people who then turn around and sell them on eBay or through Amazon.com is certainly a possibility. It may even be tempting to do this if you need the money. However, getting caught and charged for stealing library books carries the same weight in the eyes of the law as if you shoplifted something from a store. The consequences can affect your life for years to come.

If you have been charged with theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and free case consultation.