Authorities say burglary was a family affair

OCKLAWAHA — Authorities say this burglary was a family affair.

Marion County Sheriff’s detectives arrested three family members Friday — a woman, her husband and the woman’s 15-year-old daughter — on charges that they broke into a neighbor’s home and stole nearly $6,500 of goods.

Not arrested — but also involved in the thievery, according to law officers — were two other family members, ages 12 and 14.

Wayne Taylor, the victim, told deputies that when he left his Ocklawaha home on Oct. 2, his possessions were there. Much to his surprise, when he returned a week later, numerous items including Nintendo game systems, games, television sets, jewelry and other possessions were missing.

Deputies went to Glenn and Candy Schultz’s home during their investigation. Glenn Schultz gave deputies permission to search the home, and they found some items that Taylor identified as his.

Schultz denied knowing anything about the theft and told officials his 12-year-old stepdaughter may have committed the crime, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies went to the girl’s school and brought her to the district office. She told them that she, her mother, her 14-year-old brother and her 15-year-old sister went to Taylor’s home six or seven times and removed the items.

The 12-year-old said her mother had initiated the trips because Taylor owed the family money. She also said that after the theft, her mother and stepfather told them they needed to get rid of the items. They collected the Nintendo games, the system, baseball cards and clothing and put them in a drop box.

Officials then interviewed Candy Schultz, who told them she was drinking one night and was upset about Taylor owing them money. so she and her children took the stuff, the report said.

Deputies went to the drop box location and found the goods, which were identified by Taylor. In total, the items were valued at roughly $6,440.

Glen Schultz was charged with principal to grand theft and tampering with evidence. Candy Ruth Schultz and her 15-year-old daughter were charged with residential burglary, grand theft and tampering with evidence. Officials didn’t charge the 14-year-old or the 12-year-old because they believe the older sibling and the adults were encouraging them. They also said the younger children were forthcoming with their stories.