Nicholas and Robert Mason were arrested for grand theft, as well as 16 counts of dealing in stolen property, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office report, WEAR is reporting. Robert Mason has been confirmed to have sold comics to two different locations: comic book store The Loot Castle in Milton, and Price Buster Movies and Games in Pensacola.
The arrest report stated that late in April, Shirley and Johnny Pate reported their comic book collection stolen. The Pates had previously owned a comic book store and were counting on the collection to help fund their retirement.
The Pates suspected their grandsons, who worked around their home.
An officer ran the Masons’ names through the computerized sales reporting system, Leadsonline, and Robert Mason’s name came up as having recently sold comics to Loot Castle. The sold items matched titles listed in the Pates missing collection.
"They led me to believe the grandparents had passed away and the comics had been left to them," Ferrell told WEAR.
"It kind of makes me feel good that we helped catch them,” Ferrell said. “We don't like to buy stolen property, but at least when we do, with this system, people get caught.”
