Jonathan Babij, 37, of Ocala city, was detained by deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on February 27 and hit with multiple felony charges related to incidents that took place during 2019. In a media release, police confirmed the suspect has a dozen prior theft convictions.
Inmate records posted online suggested that Babij has since posted the required $14,000 bond. His latest arrest was first reported by local media outlet WGFL.
Florida authorities alleged that Babij was involved in multiple criminal acts throughout last year. In March 2019, the man allegedly stole a trash can that was worth $20.
The hose attack incident allegedly took place approximately two months later, the sheriff’s office said.
According to deputies, describing the May 2019 altercation, Babij broke his neighbor’s window and shoved the water hose in, destroying the victim’s furniture, antiques, walls, flooring and more. The neighbor was not named, and the motivation for what police described as a “felonious water prank” remains unclear.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has been contacted for additional comment.
The inmate records confirmed Babij was charged with larceny petit theft linked to the stolen $20 trash can. It was listed as a felony due to his 12 previous theft convictions, deputies said.
He was also charged with burglary of a dwelling or structure causing over $1,000 in damages and criminal mischief damage property $1,000 or more. He was taken to Marion County Jail.
In a light-hearted Facebook post shared on Saturday, police said: “Now don’t get us wrong, we think indoor pools are sweet, but we’re betting Babij’s neighbor didn’t want one this way. Furniture, antiques, walls, flooring and so much more destroyed by Babij’s bad idea. Babij was transported to the MCSO Gold Star Hotel and we hear they’re not quite as fond of indoor pools as Babij is.”
Records available via the Florida Department of Corrections indicate the suspect has previously served prison terms after being sentenced for theft charges dating back to 1997.
Some social media users expressed shock at a felony charge for a trash can theft, but police said it was justified. “Theft of a $20 item is not a felony,” one person wrote, to which the sheriff’s office hit back: “It is if you’ve accumulated enough prior convictions and Mr. Babij has 12.”
In the state, burglary of a dwelling or structure causing over $1,000 in damage can result in up to life in prison, according to the law firm Hussein & Webber. “[It] is a felony offense and carries severe penalties that will typically include prison and probation,” the office explains in a fact-sheet.
The next court date for the suspect was not immediately available.
