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Fern Theft Ends In Arrest

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By RONNIE BLAIR | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - A 49-year-old woman was arrested after police say she sneaked into the back yard of a vacant house, dug up a fern and took it home.
Evelyn Rivera, 49, of 4833 Fleetwood St., was jailed Thursday on charges of petit theft and trespassing, the New Port Richey Police Department reported. She is being held in the Pasco County Jail with bail set at $300.
A neighbor who keeps an eye on the house at 4827 Fleetwood St. reported the theft after watching Rivera enter the property and dig up the fern, an arrest report said.
Rivera told a police officer that Sue Fitzgibbon, the owner of the property, had given her permission to take the plant, but when contacted by the officer Fitzgibbon said that wasn't true, the report said.
Fitzgibbon said Rivera has a history of stealing from her and that's why Fitzgibbon asked neighbors to keep an eye on the property, the report said.
The approximate value of the fern is $15, the report said.

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