A couple is facing multiple charges after they were arrested for stealing fireworks and a hand tool from area businesses.
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputy Public Information Officer (PIO) Michael Terry said that the series of thefts began on June 27 when Joseph Blahous, 26 and 30-year-old Nicole Cawthron were allegedly observed stealing a drill from Rural King, 2468 Commercial Way, in Spring Hill.
The following day a couple matching the pair’s description were observed stealing fireworks from Patriotic Fireworks located at 13251 Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville.
Then on July 3, employees from TNT Fireworks at 13100 Cortez Blvd. told investigators that they saw the couple stealing fireworks.
Also on July 3 investigators received a report that a pair later identified as Blahous and Cawthron forced their way into a TNT Fireworks tent at 1485 Commercial Way and stole more than $1,000 worth of fireworks from that business.
Also on July 3, the pair went to a Patriotic Fireworks tent at 3085 Commercial Way where they are accused of stealing about $600 worth of fireworks.
The next day, deputies located the couple sleeping in a vehicle parked at 2384 Commercial Way.
Inside, they observed a large quantity of both new, unused fireworks.
The pair were detained and questioned at the scene.
Blahous and Cawthron were subsequently arrested on four counts of Felony Retail Theft and one count of Burglary.
Cawthron was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Violation of Probation.
The pair were also each charged with another count of Retail Theft in connection with the June 10 theft of more than $1,200 in jewelry from Walmart.
Finally, Blahous was also charged with Dealing in Stolen Property and Defrauding a Pawnbroker for selling the stolen jewelry.
Blahous and Cawthron were booked in the Hernando County Detention Center.
Their cases are pending.
