A North Florida man was recently convicted of armed burglary of a home, where he rummaged around after breaking in.
After a two-day trial, a St. Johns County jury found defendant Thomas Patterson guilty as charged of Burglary while Armed with a Firearm, Grand Theft (Controlled Substance), Criminal Mischief (Less than $200), Petit Theft and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
On the evening of January 16, 2024, Patterson broke into a home in Ponte Vedra Beach and rummaged through the office and main bedroom.
Once deputies responded to the scene, they found the defendant hiding with a backpack filled with the victim’s iPad, medical marijuana and other items.
They also recovered a gun that he had.
The case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorneys Jennifer Lieb and Bailie McLaughlin successfully tried the case for the state.
The Honorable Lee Smith presided over the case and is set to pronounce sentence on August 8, 2025. Patterson has qualified for enhanced sentencing as a Prison Releasee Reoffender and Habitual Felony Offender.
