The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Big Pine Key man on Wednesday after he robbed an acquaintance last week.
Jason William Ricketts, 33, was charged with battery and robbery with a weapon.
According to the report, deputies initially responded to a report of a robbery on Aug. 11 around 9:13 p.m. in Big Pine Key. They met with the victim, who reported being attacked and robbed of $150 by Ricketts.
The victim stated he was on his front porch when Ricketts and Ricketts’ girlfriend showed up. The victim invited them to sit down with him, and they began to talk. Ricketts asked the victim if he had $300 he could borrow, but the victim stated he only had $150 and he needed that for rent. Ricketts then asked his girlfriend to go get something for him, and she left the area.
After the girlfriend left, Ricketts reportedly attacked the victim with a glass Bud Light bottle and shattered it over his head. Ricketts then punched him numerous times, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Once on the ground, Ricketts continued to kick him. After he finally stopped, he reached into the victims pocket, took the $150 in cash and left the area.
Police searched the area to no avail, so a warrant was issued for Ricketts’ arrest. On Wednesday, deputies located him and arrested him in Stock Island.
Deputies transported Ricketts to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held with a bond of $22,500. He was released later that same day.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.