Alachua County, FL – A months-long investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries and stolen firearms has resulted in the arrest of a 19-year-old Waldo man, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in January 2026 when Property Crimes Detective C. Avery was assigned a case involving two vehicles that were burglarized in the 13700 block of NE CR 1471. Investigators said numerous items were reported stolen, including four firearms, a purse, and credit and debit cards. One victim also reported multiple attempted fraudulent transactions involving online purchases and a digital payment service.
Authorities said Detective Avery followed investigative leads that allegedly connected the fraudulent transactions to Justin Bolton, 19, of Waldo.
During the investigation, detectives also reviewed another vehicle burglary reported in November 2025 in the 18100 block of NE 136th Avenue. According to the sheriff’s office, the victim’s stolen wallet contained a tracking device that indicated it had been taken to a residence in the 18000 block of NE 132nd Avenue, a location investigators said was associated with Bolton.
On Monday, July 20, Detective Avery traveled to Bolton’s listed address in Waldo before learning he was at a residence in Hawthorne. Deputies responded to that location and took Bolton into custody without incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
Bolton has been charged with four counts of grand theft of a firearm, two counts of armed burglary of a dwelling/structure/conveyance, and two counts of credit card theft.
The allegations against Bolton have been made by law enforcement, and the charges have not been proven in court. According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed as detectives continue to pursue investigative leads.
