Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Robert Brinker, 45, of 8225 Bridge Water Trail, Tallahassee, on charges of scheme to defraud and criminal use of personal identification information. Brinker is the owner of Deep South Crane and Equipment Rentals, Inc., in Tallahassee. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest.
FDLE began its investigation in March after receiving a citizen complaint. Agents say Brinker, using the tax ID number of a similarly named business in Pensacola, leased three new vehicles and heavy equipment from a Tallahassee dealership.
In September and October of last year, Brinker leased a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee valued at nearly $95,000, a 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 truck valued around $62,000 and a 2019 Dodge Ram 4500 valued at more than $68,000. He was able to obtain the credit to lease the vehicles using the tax ID number from the Pensacola business.
While Brinker does not work for the Pensacola business and is not affiliated with them, he has victimized the business in the past and has additional charges pending against him for using their tax ID number to purchase vehicles.
Brinker was arrested this morning at his home and was booked into the Leon County Jail. He was ordered held without bond until first appearance. The Office of the State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit, will prosecute this case.
