Man arrested in hotel theft

A 62-year-old St. Augustine, Florida man was arrested Wednesday morning for stealing electronics from an Islamorada hotel.

Michael Bruce Benet was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief.

Sgt. Nicholas Whiteman and Deputy Addison LaPradd were dispatched to the Sunset Inn, 82200 Overseas Highway, Wednesday morning regarding an iPad® and credit card machine that were stolen from the business office during the night prior. The manager showed them a surveillance camera footage of a man, later identified as Benet, entering the office. The office had a closed sign illuminated and the lights were off. Benet could be seen at 11:10 p.m. leaving the office with an iPad and credit card machine.

Benet could also be seen in another camera view breaking the glass door for a fire extinguisher and discharging the fire extinguisher’s contents for no apparent reason. There was no fire.

The manager stated that Benet had issues with his door key last night and took the Deputy and Sergeant to the room where Benet was staying.

Benet stated he took the iPad and credit card machine because he was upset his room keys were not working properly. He added he did not remember the incident with the fire extinguisher. Benet said he woke up that morning and drove to a restaurant for breakfast. Whilst en route, Benet stated he threw credit card machine over the gate and onto Seven Sports Marine Boat Sales & Service property. The credit card machine was found there and recovered. Benet stated after he ate breakfast he threw the iPad out the window of his vehicle onto an unknown hotel property. The iPad has yet to be recovered.

Benet added he did these things because he was made about being locked out of his room.

Benet was taken to jail.