Cops: Freed Man Robbed Car In Jail Parking Lot

APRIL 5--Moments after bonding out of custody on a grand theft charge, a Florida man burglarized a series of vehicles in the parking lot of the jail where he had been incarcerated, investigators allege.

According to police, Casey Michael Lewis, 34, was booked into the St. Lucie County jail around 4 AM Thursday following his arrest at a Walmart for grand theft, a felony, and other charges. Lewis, pictured above, bonded out of custody just after 9 AM.

Cops charge that Lewis, upon walking out of the lockup, proceeded to the jail’s parking lot and burglarized a vehicle. He was subsequently confronted by deputies who spotted him pulling on car door handles in an apparent attempt to enter unlocked autos. Lewis allegedly stole an iPhone, $547 in cash, cigarettes, a debit card, and a driver's license from the auto of a female victim who told police that she accidentally left her car unlocked.

Lewis was arrested and booked into the jail on burglary, grand theft, and possession of stolen property charges.  

Lewis, a Stuart resident, was later freed on $11,250 bond on the new felony raps. He apparently departed the jail’s grounds without committing any additional felonies.

In January, Lewis was cited for speeding while driving a 2010 Mercedes-Benz sedan. In a March 18 e-mail to a traffic magistrate, he sought an extension on paying the ticket “due to loss of employment.” (2 pages)