A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing approximately $250,000 worth of drone molds, fixtures and scrap metal from a Manatee County business.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Jay Pearson was arrested in connection with the Aug. 13 theft at Rapid Composites. Surveillance cameras captured the incident during the early morning hours.
Investigators said Pearson admitted to being at the business and helping remove the materials. He also identified himself in surveillance images obtained during the investigation.
According to the arrest affidavit, Pearson told deputies he was paid approximately $100 and promised a portion of the proceeds from selling the scrap metal in exchange for driving another suspect to and from the location. The vehicle used was registered to an individual who was not implicated or charged in the investigation.
Pearson reportedly told investigators he believed the materials near a dumpster and on a pallet were scrap metal. He maintained that he did not realize the items included specialized drone molds or understand their value.
Pearson was arrested in Manatee County and charged with one count of grand theft of $100,000 or more, a first-degree felony under Florida law.
The investigation involved property valued at approximately $250,000. Information about additional arrests or the recovery of the stolen materials was not provided.
