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Highlands Today

Woman arrested for stealing landlord's birds

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: April 23, 2009

SEBRING - A woman remained in jail Wednesday on a $6,000 bond after her arrest for allegedly stealing her landlord's birds.

Betty Tucker, 45, of 3703 Cemetery Road, Sebring, was booked Tuesday on charges of grand theft of $300 or more but less than $5,000 and dealing in stolen property.

Just before 7 p.m., Tuesday, the victim alleged that Tucker took two cockatiels and two goslings out of their bird cages. The suspect lives in a home that's located on the same property as the cages, according to the arrest report.

It was a week ago that the cockatiels, valued at $100 a piece, were noticed missing. On Tuesday, the victim got a phone call from a neighbor, who reportedly saw Tucker take the goslings from the cage. They were $50 each.

The suspect reportedly admitted to taking the four birds. Tucker told law enforcement she sold them to a third party for $20 per pair. The money was going to be used to buy a "rock," or cocaine, the report stated.

Authorities met with the third party, who returned the birds to the victim.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Gentry made the arrest.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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