Pinellas Deputies Arrest Woman Discovered by a Homeowner Stealing the Mail Carrier’s Christmas Gift
Deborah McClung, age 61 of Clearwater, was arrested for burglary to an occupied structure and violation of probation from a grand theft charge.
Deputies arrested McClung for burglary after she was discovered by a homeowner in her home with the Christmas card meant for the USPS mail carrier.
On Friday, December 22, 2017, deputies responded to the private residence of 74-year-old Roseanne Chiaramonte who reported a burglary to her home located in the 1800 block of Keene Road North in Unincorporated Clearwater.
Chiaramonte told deputies she left a Christmas card containing $25 cash for her mail carrier on the front glass storm door of her residence.
Deputies say Chiaramonte discovered McClung, standing in her laundry room holding the envelope that was meant for her mail carrier. Chiaramonte asked McClung what she was doing and McClung responded, “The mailman does not come down here, I will bring it to him.” McClung opened the envelope. Chiaramonte asked McClung to return the envelope. McClung handed the envelope to Chiaramonte and left through the back door of the residence and drove away in a 2008 Toyota Solaris bearing Florida tag HBVK38.
On Saturday, December 23, 2017, while patrolling the neighborhoods near the victim’s home, deputies say they observed the suspect’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Keene Road and Hercules. Deputies discovered addressed envelopes and mail from approximately 20 residences throughout the Clearwater area inside of the vehicle. They also found Amazon packages including fitbit fitness trackers and new clothing with the tags still intact.
Deputies say McClung admitted to investigators she committed the burglary at Chiaramonte’s residence. McClung became uncooperative when asked about the mail and additional items found in the vehicle.
McClung was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
Anyone with information or who suspects they are a victim is asked to contact Detective R. Tsanakaliotis of the North County Property Crimes Unit at (727) 582-6200
The investigation continues and more charges are probable.