What started as a visit to collect a debt, deputies say, turned into a chain of decisions that only got worse with each passing mile.
According to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, deputies responded March 29 to a residence on Southwest 142nd Place after a report of a burglary involving an unlocked semi-truck parked outside. The victim told deputies someone had entered the vehicle, damaged the glove box, and taken a collection of valuables.
Reported stolen items included two gold watches valued at $1,500 combined, roughly 15 gold rings valued at $2,500, a wallet with bank cards, six bottles of perfume, and Social Security cards. Total loss was estimated at $4,350, with about $90 in damage to the vehicle.
Surveillance footage from the home’s exterior cameras showed a man pacing in the yard before walking toward the truck shortly before the theft was discovered.
About a week later, on April 6, deputies responding to an unrelated overdose call at a different Ocala residence recognized a man at the scene as the individual seen in the doorbell footage. Deputies identified him as Elvin Johnnyel Ojeda Sanchez, 28.
During an interview, deputies say Ojeda Sanchez admitted to being at the location to meet someone who owed him money. When no one answered the door, he told investigators he entered the truck and took items, though he claimed he did not take jewelry and could not fully recall everything he removed. He also stated the items were later returned through a third party.
The victim confirmed items had been returned but had not yet verified whether everything was accounted for.
Ojeda Sanchez was arrested and charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
But the night wasn’t over.
While en route to the Marion County Jail, the deputy reported observing Ojeda Sanchez making movements in the back seat, including placing his hands inside his underwear. According to the affidavit, the deputy believed the defendant was attempting to conceal or retrieve an item from his anus.
After arrival at the jail, a search of the patrol vehicle uncovered a baggie containing a white powdery substance in the rear floorboard.
The substance tested positive for fentanyl and weighed approximately 4.5 grams, according to the report.
Deputies noted the vehicle had been searched prior to the transport and that Ojeda Sanchez was the only person in the back seat during that time.
He was subsequently charged with trafficking in fentanyl, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
