Two known suspects were arrested for stealing two black swans and swan eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland.
According to local law enforcement, the caretakers of the swans (Luna and Sturling) found them missing from the Central Florida property last month and called Polk County deputies. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes detectives responded to the scene to begin an investigation.
Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, Luna, Sturling, and their eggs were located safely in Miami-Dade County. PCSO Ag detectives retrieved the missing birds and returned them home to Highland Village back in Central Florida.
“I’m thrilled that these swans were quickly and safely found and will soon be back home,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “My sincere thanks to this member of the community for doing the right thing by reaching out to us upon discovering they had been stolen. We couldn’t accomplish these good outcomes without the support of outstanding citizens.”
PCSO agricultural detectives identified 29-year-old Alfredo Casanova, of Homestead, and 27-year-old Jordan Montoya, also of Homestead, as the swan thieves.
Jordan Montoya of Homestead surrendered to Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Casanova was booked-in to the Polk County Jail earlier. Montoya and Casanova are accused of stealing two black swans and six eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland. Both men have been charged with burglary of a structure (with an enhancement for crossing county lines) and grand theft, according to local law enforcement.
