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| James Goins |
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| Matthew Goins |
September 4, 2018
Levy County deputies responded to 11421 NW 112 Place, the
Springside Retirement Community, on August 20, 2018 to a report of the theft of
an enclosed trailer. The complainant, a friend of the owner, discovered the
trailer missing and reported the theft in the absence of the owner. The
complainant was able to provide deputies with the owner’s information who when
contacted, gave a description of what was inside the trailer. The owner told
deputies he stored two kayaks, a mower and recumbent bicycles and other tools
in the trailer which had a combined value of over $5,000.00.
Investigators discovered two kayaks matching the description
of the stolen ones had been pawned at a local pawn shop in Gainesville. Investigators
were able to confirm these were the stolen kayaks and learned James Goins
(2-25-86) of Chiefland had pawned them.
Additional investigation revealed witnesses who observed the
trailer parked at Goins’ home testified to seeing Samantha Gath riding a lawn mower
matching the stolen mower description. Investigators learned Gath was in
custody in Dixie County on unrelated charges and interviewed her there. She identified
her boyfriend, James Goins and his brother Matthew Goins (3-10-91), as
participating in the theft of the trailer. She provided information on where
other stolen items could be located.
Investigators located both James and Matthew Goins and
placed them under arrest for grand theft. Both James and Matthew cooperated
with investigators and additional stolen property was recovered.
James Goins is being held at the Levy County Detention
Facility. His bond was set at $20,000 for the grand theft and he has been
additionally charged with violation of probation. Matthew Goins is being held
on a $20,000 bond. Charges on Gath are pending. Additional charges are expected
to be filed in both Alachua and Gilchrist counties as a result of this investigation.