An Orlando man is facing charges in Orange and Seminole counties, in part for a bizarre burglary with loot that could've been used to impersonate a sheriff's deputy.
The suspect, Ricky Walker, was booked into the Orange County jail on drug and gun charges, but Seminole County authorities believe he's also the man who stole sensitive items like a badge and a vest from one of their own investigators.
Dressed in yellow and black and nothing unusual, deputies said 21-year-old Ricky Walker may have had what he needed to look like a cop. When authorities came to his house in Orlando with a search warrant for drugs and guns, they also found a stash of gear from Seminole County, including bullets, a police radio, a sheriff's badge and a bulletproof vest with "SHERIFF" written on the front and back.
Seminole County said the items were recently stolen from an investigator's unmarked car parked at his apartment complex. The sheriff's office said the investigator didn't do anything wrong. He locked his car, but when he came back someone had broken in through the top of a door.
Authorities didn't alert the public about the missing badge and other items until they were found almost a week later.
"Wouldn't there be some legitimate public safety concern that these are in the hands of somebody who shouldn't have them" questioned Eyewitness News reporter Eric Rasmussen.
"There is always a legitimate public safety concern. We're dealing with people who are felons now in possession of sheriff's property,? said Lt. Dennis Lemma, Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
But investigators said they had good leads to follow and didn't want to tip off their suspect. Still, the sheriff's office said the case serves as a good warning for everyone.
"Just because someone has a badge, always question that if there is any suspicion,? Lt. Lemma said.
Authorities said Walker was already on home confinement when he was arrested, so he could be held with no bond. Charges in Seminole County are still pending.
Investigators in Orange County are still looking for another man who may have been associated with Walker. Authorities said 22-year-old Todd Allen Moore is wanted on several charges, including aggravated battery and armed burglary.
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