VIDEO: Deputies arrest homeless man for purse theft

Sarasota County deputies arrested a 25-year-old homeless man for allegedly stealing a woman’s purse from an Osprey yogurt shop last month.

With help from a surveillance video, community members working with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office identified Jeromy Parsons as the man seen pacing inside Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt Bat Aug. 7, before picking up a black purse and fleeing the scene. The contents of the purse were later valued at $900.

Deputies arrested Parsons Friday on Longboat Key, and subsequently charged him with grand theft of more than $300, and less than $5,000, which is a felony.

“Thank you to everyone who shared the video and photos to help solicit these tips,” said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Wendy Rose in a news release.