A late-night shopping spree at a closed Marion County recycling center landed two people behind bars Thursday morning, October 29, after deputies reportedly discovered a van loaded with discarded appliances, tools and other items. A third suspect apparently decided the best way to recycle himself was to run.
According to arrest affidavits from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Randi Daniele Blanchard, 34, and Robert Lou Blanchard II, 45, were arrested on charges of burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft involving property valued between $750 and $5,000.
The investigation began around 8:30 a.m. when Corporal Sapp responded to reports of trespassers at the Marion County recycling center at 950 S. Highway 314A in Ocklawaha. The facility was closed, its gates were secured and a chain-link fence surrounded the property.
Upon arriving, Sapp spotted a man wearing a red hoodie toward the rear of the property and heard items being thrown around, suggesting more than one person was inside.
Following tire tracks along a dirt road behind the facility, Sapp discovered a blue Dodge Caravan with Randi Blanchard reportedly asleep in the front seat. The vehicle’s rear window had been smashed out, and a refrigerator and leaf blower were visible inside.
Blanchard was detained while deputies continued investigating.
Meanwhile, another man emerged from the wooded area carrying a ceiling fan and a multicolored lamp. When ordered to the ground, he initially stopped, but the situation quickly turned into a game of hide-and-seek.
According to the affidavits, the man fled after spotting another deputy, jumping a barbed-wire fence and running toward the recycling center. He reportedly abandoned his red hoodie, revealing a tan tank top, before jumping the front gate and crossing Highway 314A.
Deputies, including K-9 units, searched the area but were unable to locate him.
Robert Blanchard, who had been spotted in nearby bushes, was also detained.
Investigators discovered an assortment of items that had allegedly been removed from the recycling center and tossed over its fence, including a circular saw, refrigerator, television, shop vacuum, window air conditioner, electric hand tools, ceiling fan, ladder and other household items.
Inside the van, deputies reportedly found additional merchandise, including a chainsaw, refrigerator, leaf blower, fans and an Instant Pot.
During an interview with investigators, Randi Blanchard allegedly admitted that she, Robert Blanchard and a third person had discussed the plan the previous night. She reportedly described their financial situation as a “tight spot” and said an acquaintance knew of a “quick come up.”
She acknowledged knowing they did not have permission to enter the property and that taking the items was wrong, according to the affidavit.
Robert Blanchard reportedly told investigators he had never done anything like this before and did not believe the situation would become a major issue because the property was a dump.
He allegedly admitted placing items over the fence and explained that he intended to scrap some of the materials for money while repairing others with cut cords so they could be sold.
Investigators contacted Marion County Solid Waste Director Mark Johnson, who confirmed the county intended to pursue charges.
An employee subsequently evaluated the recovered property and estimated its scrap value at approximately $1,000. Investigators also determined that electronic items had been stored in a black Conex container at the facility.
Both Blanchards were arrested Thursday morning and charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft.
The third suspect had not been located at the time the arrest affidavits were completed.
