Old Town men charged with burglary of 5 local businesses

By Carrie A. Mizell

Two Old Town men have been arrested and are now facing felony burglary charges after allegedly breaking into and robbing five businesses in Bell last week.

Michael Brand, 17, and Randolph Feola, 22, both of Old Town, will be charged with five counts each of felony burglary to a business and five counts of possession of burglary tools, after reportedly breaking into the Dugout Sports Grill, Bell BP convenience store, Burger Spot in Bell, Bells and Whistles storage, and Gilchrist Building Supply.
According to Sheriff Daniel Slaughter, the “smash and grab burglaries” occurred at 4:22 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3.
Investigators Ron Boyd and Edwin Jenkins, of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, gathered evidence at the scenes before issuing a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) to surrounding counties. At press time, investigators had recovered several cash registers as well as some cash money.
Information received by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office led investigators to both Brand and Feola in connection with the burglaries.
According to investigators, both men are currently being held in the Dixie County Jail, facing similar charges in Dixie County, as well as the latest charges in Gilchrist County.
The investigation remains ongoing, explained Major Tony Smith of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office.
“A sworn complaint has been issued for the arrests,” Major Smith said on Monday.