A couple who set off a search and rescue operation after the man reported his girlfriend missing while swimming near the Dunedin Causeway were arrested after it turned out they had been burglarizing a yacht, authorities said.
Daren Nailos had reported Jessica Frehe missing around 4:45 a.m. Friday morning in the waters near the causeway in the 2600 block of St. Joseph's Drive, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
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Nailos said they had been swimming in the water when he lost sight of Frehe and called for help. As rescue efforts were underway, a deputy spotted Frehe's car leaving the scene and discovered Frehe behind the wheel, the sheriff's office said.
While deputies spoke with Frehe, several reports of burglarized vehicles in the area began coming in. The sheriff's office also discovered that Frehe and Nailos had stolen several items, including food and alcohol, from a boat shortly before Frehe was reported missing.
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Frehe and Nailos, both 36, were arrested on burglary charges. Nailos was released, while Frehe was still being held on $1,500 bond Tuesday, jail records showed. It was unknown whether they have attorneys.
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Photo Credit: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office