Gainesville Resident Apprehended in Arizona for Allegedly Stealing $100,000 in Valuables from Waldo Flea Market

Michael Allen Kinney, aged 38, has been extradited to the Alachua County Jail following his arrest in Arizona. He faces charges related to the theft of more than $100,000 in collectibles from Swamped Collectibles at the Waldo Flea Market this past July.

The incident took place in the early hours of July 10, when a man, later identified as Kinney, was seen arriving at the Waldo Flea Market, located at 17805 NE U.S. Hwy 301. According to a deputy from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Kinney allegedly used a van to break the front door window of Swamped Collectibles. He is accused of making off with a significant haul that included trading cards, gaming cards, video games, and display cases.

Surveillance footage from the scene was crucial in identifying the suspect. The victim shared this footage with authorities, along with a partial vehicle license plate number, which was traced back to Kinney. The suspect’s appearance also matched the individual recorded on the surveillance video.

Just two days after the burglary, a sworn complaint was filed, noting that the van involved in the theft had last been spotted in North Carolina, further aiding in tracking down Kinney and bringing him into custody.

The sworn complaint, filed two days after the burglary, noted that the van was last seen in North Carolina.

On February 23, Kinney was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a motel in Mesa, Arizona, and was later extradited to Alachua County.

Kinney has been charged with grand theft over $100,000, burglary of an unoccupied structure, and misdemeanor property damage. He has one misdemeanor conviction (traffic) and has active warrants out of Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $315,000, the amount set on his arrest warrant by Judge Denise Ferrero.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.