Police: Man In Holly Hill Steals Puppy; Tries To Sell It Back To Its Owners

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Holly Hill, FL - A Holly Hill man was arrested on Monday for stealing a puppy and demanding money from the owners in order for the owners to get the puppy back. Holly Hill police say that 31-year-old Thomas Edward Flemming found and took the puppy, a black and white pit bull mix named Zeus, after the puppy went missing on February 22. The puppy's owners reported the puppy stolen, and a witness said that she had seen a man in his thirties, later identified as Flemming, taking the puppy on Center Ave. in Holly Hill. The witness recognized Zeus from a Facebook post from the owners.

Through social media, the owners, Victoria Sochan and her boyfriend Jonathan Lyon, were able to track down and contact Flemming. According to police reports, Flemming knew that Zeus belonged to the couple, and he refused to return the dog unless the owners paid him $120. The owners agreed to meet with Flemming and to pay to get the puppy back. According to police records, Flemming changed his story about how he obtained the puppy several times. He said at one point that he purchased the dog from the Halifax Humane Society. At another point, Flemming said his aunt brought the puppy down from Georgia. Flemming was ultimately arrested Monday afternoon when he agreed to meet with the owners and give them the dog in exchange for money. Flemming is charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Zeus was unharmed.

(Flemming's mugshot courtesy Volusia County Jail)

Photos of Zeus courtesy Holly Hill Police Department. Southern Stone Communications 2018.