From the case file:
"On August 8, 2018, Walt Disney World reported that clothing had been stolen from an Animatronic at the closed “Cranium Command” attraction. This attraction has been closed for years, and was tagged to be archived by Walt Disney World. The clothing that was stolen from the animatronic,
known as “Buzzy” includes a bomber jacket, gloves, and a green hat. These items are one of a kind and are known to hold value to collectors. The estimated value of these items is $6,814.
Disney Security Investigators were made aware of an employee named Patrick Allen Spikes (DOB 8/30/1994) who was taking pictures backstage while employed. During their internal investigation, they discovered that Spikes was developing on online social media presence to display these
pictures. Spikes created a Twitter account of @backdoordisney, where he would post backstage photos. A photo posted on October 14, 2018 shows the animatronic “Buzzy” with clothing still attached. Disney advised Spikes had photographs of other animatronics that were reported stolen last year on his phone. Detective Jessee Hinson and I spoke to Spikes in late November to determine if he had any information on the location of the stolen items. We had also recently learned that the entire Animatronic was later stolen from the attraction. Spikes denied any first hand knowledge of the thefts, but provided vague information of people we could look into, but would not provide last names or specifics. Spikes stated he would contact us if he heard anything. On December 18, 2018, Disney Security Investigator Frank Walker contacted me to advise that during a separate employee interview with cast member Song, Spikes had shown photos of the stolen clothing from the "Buzzy" animatronic on his phone. These photos were in a text message sent by Spikes, and were dated August 12, 2018. Detective Matherne and I interviewed Song who advised that Spikes wanted to buy a Cranium Command A-frame sign from him. Song had permission from Disney to possess the sign. Spikes texted Song on August 12, 2018, and requested to buy the sign. They agreed on the price and during the text exchange, Spikes sent photos of the stolen clothing from the "Buzzy" animatronic . Song at that time did not know those items were stolen. They met in Kissimmee, FL to make the transaction about the sign. Song has not had any interaction with Spikes since that day.
On December 19, 2018, 1 contacted Spikes and asked him if I could speak to him. I offered to meet him somewhere or he could come to my office. Spikes chose to come to my office. When he arrived,
Detective Matherne and I looked at his vehicle in the parking lot while Spikes was waiting inside.
Once he arrived I advised him he was free to leave and did not have to speak to me. He understood. ..."
Spikes is now a former Disney employee. Also allegedly involved was his cousin, Blaytin Duane Tanton. Both made plea deals that kept them out of jail and that included no contest pleas to some of the charges that had been filed against them regarding the burglary (theft) of Disney items and/or efforts to sell those items.
Patrick Spikes was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years probation, 250 hours of community service and restitution.
Taunton entered a no contest plea for grand theft and was given five years probation.
Investigators believe the men committed the Disney burglaries between June of 2018 and January of 2019.
One buyer was NBA player Robin Lopez, an avid Disney collector. At the sentencing, the prosecutor, John Farr, stated: “The defendant (Spikes) did knowingly sell property that belonged to Walt Disney knowing that the property was stolen and consists of costumes, clothing, wigs or any combination thereof.”
Smiling, but saying nothing, Spikes and Taunton headed for the elevator. When Spikes walked out of the courthouse and WESH 2 News asked if there was anything he wanted to say, Spikes responded by saying, "I'm going to Disney."
Note - I do believe that the defense attorney for this young guy would have good arguments to make that the conduct of the cops in this interrogation was illegal - that they confiscated his phone without a right to do so, and without a warrant.
#truecrime
#mentourlawyer
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