‘Prolific burglar’ arrested after stealing from Manatee County businesses, deputies say

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Bradenton man they deem to be a “prolific burglar” after he allegedly burglarized five businesses in three days.

A news release said deputies arrested Leslie S. Guthrie, 53, and charged him with five counts of burglary to an unoccupied structure.

Burglary of an unoccupied structure is a third-degree felony.

Guthrie allegedly broke into Judy’s Restaurant and American Lock and Key, located in the 9500 block of Cortez Road W., on Wednesday. The sheriff’s office said he stole several hundred dollars.

Additional businesses that had break-ins included Pub in a Tub, 8108 Cortez Road W., and Mez Comics and Games, 8208 Cortez Road W.

The news release said a suspect went through the front door at both businesses and tampered with the cash register. Surveillance cameras inside the comic book store led detectives to name Guthrie as a suspect, the sheriff’s office said.

On Saturday, a task force tracked Guthrie to a plaza in the 2800 block of State Road 64 East, where he allegedly was casing businesses. Shortly after 2 a.m., an alarm went off at a fifth business at 2852 State Road 64 East. Detectives saw damage at the business, followed Guthrie to a nearby motel and arrested him, the news release said.

According to the news release, detectives gathered evidence from Guthrie’s vehicle and motel room. Video evidence from the fifth business showed Guthrie wearing the same clothing he wore when he was arrested, according to the news release.

Additional charges are expected for Guthrie, who allegedly committed other burglaries in Manatee County, the news release said.

The investigation is ongoing.