Crime & Safety

Multiple Charges in Morning Armed Burglary Spree

A man with a long criminal history in connection with several armed burglaries in Nokomis this morning, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to Shore T Road just before 6:00 a.m., when a resident reported that someone had broken into his SUV, according to a report.

The man chased the suspect but stopped when the suspect threatened him with a gun, a report said. As deputies set up a perimeter they learned of another vehicle burglary on the same road in which a gun was stolen, the report stated. During a search of the area deputies located the suspect on Bayshore Road and took him into custody, according to a report.

The suspect, identified as James Demaio, 30, (no permanent address), told investigators he also burglarized a home in the 400 block of Bayshore Road. Detectives learned Demaio took a cell phone, cash and jewelry while the female resident slept, a report said.

Demaio is charged with one count of Occupied Residential Burglary with a Weapon, three counts of Armed Burglary, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, two counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Felon and one count of Possession of Burglary Tools.

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Demaio’s has been arrested 19 times since 2006. He’s being held without bond for the Aggravated Assault charge and $76,500 on the remaining charges.


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