Two Arrested for Stealing Golf Cart in Hillsborough County

[left] Jarmal Lemus booking photo, [right] Cleveland Perry booking photo. Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | Inmate Records

According to a February 13, 2024 press release, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested two individuals for stealing a golf cart from a dealership on Bloomingdale Ave.

On Monday, February 12, 2024, deputies responded to Next Level Golf Carts at approximately 2:00 p.m., after employees reported that two individuals attempted to purchase a golf cart using fraudulent credit cards. The individuals were identified as Jarmal Lemus, 28, and Cleveland Perry, 31.
Lemus and Perry used a credit card to pay for half of the golf cart's purchase, totaling $7,958.54. They then attempted to use multiple credit cards to cover the remaining balance, but all cards were reported as fraudulent by the credit card company.

The suspects told Next Level staff that they would go to a bank to obtain payment, but instead, left the scene with the golf cart and did not return to the business. The suspects were located by deputies approximately 15 miles away, fleeing the business in their stolen ride.

“These suspects thought they could get away with not only using fraudulent credit cards, but brazenly stealing from this business in the middle of the day,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We won't stand for theft in our county. We won't tolerate this kind of behavior, and we'll keep working hard to ensure the safety of the businesses within our community."

Lemus and Perry now face the following charges:

• Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card ($300 or More)
• Grand Theft Third Degree ($5,000 - $10,000)

According to Hillsborough County Booking Records at the time of publication, Lemus has been released on Surety Bond, while Perry remains in the Falkenburg Road Jail.
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As of publication, the investigation is ongoing. Further updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.