Would-be Cookie Store Burglar Identified by His Red Crocs

BROOKSVILLE – A former employee of the new Crumbl Cookie located in the Coastal Landing shopping plaza is charged with burglarizing the popular cookie company last month.

According to officials, 18-year-old Jacob Ortega, a former employee of Crumbl Cookie, was dropped off at the location by a friend who said Ortega was going to make a drug deal.

Video surveillance shows Ortega enter the store wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, and red Crocs. The store owner told investigators that Ortega used to wear red Crocs all the time.

Ortega stole cash from the register and a safe, before meeting with the driver in front of the nearby Home Goods store.

During an interview with detectives on Tuesday, Ortega admitted to his involvement in the burglary and stated that he still had codes to the door, safe, and register from when he was employed there.

Ortega told detectives he spent most of the money on food and alcohol for himself and his friends and that the rest of it was stored in his friend's vehicle.

It is not known if the driver will be charged as an accomplice to the burglary.

Due to his confession, along with the physical evidence collected, Ortega was arrested and charged with Burglary, Larceny, and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

Ortega is free on a $12,000 bond.