Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jacob Cecil Stager, 18, was apprehended early today for allegedly taking an elderly woman’s phone and transferring funds to his account using her device.

Around 11:30 p.m. on October 8, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was called to Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park. The 72-year-old victim there reported suspicious activity on her Zelle account.

She recounted that Stager, a friend of her son, had visited their home on Sunday, October 5. She briefly left her phone on a chair when stepping out of the room. Upon returning, she noticed her phone was missing, and Stager had left. Her son denied taking the phone and claimed ignorance of Stager’s involvement. Uncertain if the phone was lost or stolen, the victim purchased a replacement.

On October 8, the victim was alerted by her bank to four attempted Zelle transactions on her account totaling $1,400, $1,000, $500, and $500, all directed to Stager. The deputy noted that the victim presented text message alerts displaying these amounts and Stager’s name. Although these transactions were blocked, a $500 transfer to Stager succeeded on October 9.

At approximately 12:24 a.m. on October 10, Stager was detained for questioning. Post Miranda rights, Stager acknowledged visiting the victim’s home on October 5 but denied taking her phone. He confirmed that $500 had been deposited into his account, and when questioned if the victim’s son made the transaction, he denied it. Stager refused the deputy’s requests to access his phone or allow a search of his room for the missing device.

Stager faces charges for stealing from someone aged 65 or older, a felony; unauthorized use of another person’s identity; and employing a communication device in connection with a felony. With no previous criminal record, Judge Jonathan Ramsey set Stager’s bail at $20,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.