An Iowa man has been arrested by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office based on an affidavit filed by FDLE agents for felony grand theft.
Michael Lane Tolan, 24, of 909 2nd Avenue South, Estherville, IA, was taken into custody by deputies and will be extradited to Seminole County to face the felony grand theft charge, which stems from more than $50,000 in illegitimate sneaker, sportswear and car purchases.
An investigation was launched after FDLE received information from the Lantana Police Department that Tolan had stolen from car dealerships and retail stores throughout the state. The investigation revealed Tolan went to several Orlando area locations of a retail chain and made more than $33,000 in illegitimate purchases of sneakers and clothing.
The investigation also revealed that Tolan fraudulently purchased two used cars at separate dealerships. In some transactions, Tolan manipulated the credit card machine causing it to generate a receipt even though the purchase wasn’t valid. Other fraudulent purchases included used cars and a hotel stay.
The Lantanta Police Department and the Daytona Beach Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Tolan is being held on a no-bond status pending extradition. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
