Two men arrested, third suspect wanted in Villages golf cart theft ring

Two men are facing charges and a third is wanted after Sumter County deputies say they stole multiple golf carts in The Villages and tried to sell them on Facebook Marketplace.

Steven Santiago and David Andrews are both facing charges connected to the stolen golf carts. Investigators also identified Jeffery Woods as a third suspect and have an active arrest warrant out for him.

How the thefts happened

Deputies say the investigation began Oct. 24 in the Lake Sumter Landing area of The Villages, where golf carts are commonly parked along the street.

According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the men hot-wired the golf carts — the same way a car can be stolen — then rekeyed them. After that, they drove the carts to local businesses, left them parked overnight, and listed them for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

How investigators cracked the case

Serial numbers and a GPS tracker built into one of the stolen golf carts helped deputies identify and locate the suspects.

So far, three of the eight stolen golf carts have been recovered. Detectives believe more carts — and more people — may be connected to the theft ring.

Residents in Lake Sumter Landing say the thefts caught them off guard.

“I am surprised that it is happening, but you know, crime is everywhere and people are going to take advantage of situations where they think they can get away with it,” said Jack Moolick, a Villages resident.

Moolick also urged caution: “You really have to watch your property no matter what — golf cart or a car or a bicycle.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.