[PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook / Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina]
[Original Publish Date: 12/29/19]
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MOUNT DORA, Florida — A bright blue suit with snowflakes, white shoes and white sunglasses probably was not the best choice of attire for a Tavares man who was captured on video vandalizing a local business and setting a boat afloat.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Nicholas Anthony DiGiacomo, 28, appears on surveillance video from the Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina, 148 Charles Avenue, Mount Dora pulling holiday lights down from a wall and throwing a propane tank. DiGiacomo shares a child with an employee of the business and is involved in an ongoing custody battle, the affidavit states.
His child’s mother immediately recognized DiGiacomo on the surveillance video and provided police with a social media video of him wearing the suit. Police also obtained information that DiGiacomo attended an employer Christmas party on the same date, about a half of a mile away from the marina.
DiGiacomo is seen getting on a forklift and checking for keys, but gets off when he is unable to find them. He then walks to the dock where his child’s grandfather’s boat is, unties it and pushes it, setting it afloat. “Due to the vessel not being tethered, and the navigation lights not being illuminated, the vessel had a real potential of interfering with other boaters. Navigational lights provide vital information to other boaters, such as size and directional travel,” a Mount Dora Police detective noted in the affidavit. The boat struck several outboard motors, damaging the clear coat and possibly the fiberglass on the port side.
Video shows DiGiacomo leave the area; but he returns, clearly seen on video donning the bright blue suit with snowflakes, and throws a brick through a front window, shattering it, the affidavit states.
DiGiacomo was arrested Monday and charged with burglary, criminal mischief and interference of navigation. He was released from the Lake County Jail and released on $12,500 bond.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
