On May 7, Holmes County deputies responded to a burglary on Marian Drive in the Dogwood Lakes community. The victim gave a description of the suspects and getaway vehicle, and our investigator got to work faster than a rumor at a family reunion.
A few days later, the victim positively identified Carrie Martin of Fountain, Florida, as the thief. Turns out, Martin had stolen several firearms and other items from the home.
Now here’s where it gets interesting: Martin volunteered to bring the stolen guns back to the Sheriff’s Office — which sounds nice, except she forgot one important detail… the guns had the serial numbers ground off.
Martin showed up with an accomplice, identified as Jonathan Pizzuto, and things went downhill from there. After a few questions, they both admitted to the burglary — and also tossed Christopher Wayne Hunter under the proverbial getaway car for his part.
Then came the surprise bonus round: A search of their vehicle in our parking lot turned up oxycodone, and a search of Martin at the jail revealed 3 grams of meth hidden on her person. (Note: Hiding drugs while turning yourself in is not a pro tip.)
Charges filed include:
Carrie Martin: Armed Burglary, grand theft of firearm, possession of meth, oxycodone, altered serial number, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Jonathan Pizzuto: Armed Burglary, grand theft of firearm, oxycodone possession, and altered serial number.
Christopher Wayne Hunter: Warrants are on the way — surprise!
Moral of the story: If you’re going to return stolen items, maybe don’t modify the evidence and bring drugs along for the ride.
