| Probable cause affidavit: |
Submitted by Detective Ed Blair â Community Crimes Unit On February 22nd, 2013, Deputy J. Wilson responded to 6548 North Clayton Avenue, Dunnellon, in reference to a burglary which had already occurred. Deputy Wilsonâs report reflects the theft of several items of Jewelry. The victim was able to provide a detailed list of items stolen during the burglary. This list included a drawing of an antique opal ring which was a family heirloom. On July 16th, 2013, this Detective was notified by the Intelligence Analyst Unit of a suspicious pawn transaction. This Detective was advised Vito Nicholas Pilla, here after referred to as the Defendant, had sold an Oval Opal Gold Ring matching that of a ring reported stolen in the reported Burglary. The sale was at the Beverly Hills Gold and Diamond Exchange in Beverly Hills. This Detective responded to the Beverly Hills Gold and Diamond Exchange to compare the ring to the drawing and description provided by the victim. After determining the similarities in the two, this Detective captured a photograph of the ring to show the victim. The manager recalled the transaction and stated the Defendant arrived in a White 2 door Mitsubishi Eclipse. The suspect told the manager he was selling the ring for his mother. This Detective responded to the victimâs residence to confirm the similarities. Upon arrival, this Detective spoke with the victim who was provided the photograph for examination. With a surprised demeanor, the victim stated, âThatâs it!â The victim stated the ring was an Antique and had belonged to her grandmother. The victim added, the ring was very rare and was not purchased in this area. The victim was happy to see the photograph and advised she would be able to respond to the Store for exact confirmation. Additionally, the victim advised she would arrive with her mother, who is very familiar with the ring as it was her motherâs. This Detective arranged to meet the victim at the Beverly Hills Gold and Diamond Exchange the following day. On July 17, 2013, this Detective met with the victim and her mother at the Beverly Hills Gold and Diamond Exchange in Beverly Hills. Upon arrival, the victim and her mother were shown the ring and both appeared excited. They were happy to see the ring and both confirmed, without doubt, the ring was one which had been stolen. When asked if they were 100% positive, both stated, âYes.â The victim and her mother completed sworn written statements regarding the ownership of the ring. The Manager completed a sworn written statement regarding the transaction. The Victim completed an Affidavit of Property Owner indicating the ownership of the ring listed in this case. The Manager completed an Affidavit of Pawn/Second Hand Dealer for the transaction indicating the suspect had provided a thumb print and identification. This Detective collected the Pawn Broker Transaction Form #1905. The form was a receipt of the transaction for the item listed above. This form was later turned into the Citrus County Sheriffâs Office Evidence locker. On July 24, 2013, this Detective responded to the defendantâs residence located at 22 N. Davis Street in Beverly Hills. Upon arrival, this Detective conducted a recorded statement with the Defendant. He admitted the ring was not his and he believed it was possibly stolen. Although he did not admit to the theft, he did admit to selling the ring which was not his to sell. He advised a friend, Brandon Zajack had given him the ring to sell and it was his girlfriendâs ring. This Detective later spoke with Brandon Zajack, who drives a White Mitsubishi. He admitted to giving the ring to the Defendant to sell. Furthermore, Zajack advised he had taken the ring from a friend in Crystal River. Both subjects continually denied involvement in the Burglary. The Defendant was advised he would be placed under arrest for False Verification to Pawn Broker and he would be released on his own recognizance. He was handcuffed in front of his body and transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility for processing. |
