BSO: Man Steals Guns, Gear From Ex-Deputy's Secure Storage Facility
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
BROWARD (CBSMiami) – The Broward Sheriff's Office said George Babula broke into numerous secure storage units in Pompano Beach and North Lauderdale, including one belonging to a former BSO deputy, stealing guns, ammunition, bulletproof vests and other BSO gear.
BSO said Babula stole two Glocks, an assault rifle and a shotgun – and where they are is anybody's guess.
"The firearms have not been recovered," said BSO Spokesperson Keyla Concepcion. "Of course, that is of great concern to our detectives."
Also of great concern, BSO said is Babula's alleged crime spree.
Investigators said they have proof that Babula broke into numerous storage units in Broward County and made off with jewelry, a computer, a game system, ammunition and lots of other items. BSO believes this is Babula's business.
"He was selling some of the property at the Swap Shop," Concepcion said.
Deputies arrested Babula, a convicted felon, on Monday. He is out of jail on bond. CBS4 tried to get some answers from Babula about where those guns might be, but he refused to speak.
Investigators said Babula tried to make up a story that he got the guns and BSO gear when he bought the storage unit at an auction. But that is a lie, BSO said. Investigators are pleased that he's facing charges and hopeful they can recover the weapons Babula is accused of stealing.
"We know that he is someone who has stolen firearms and you have to wonder what he's doing with those firearms and they could end up in the wrong hands," Concepcion said.
The Broward Sheriff's Office said Babula was busted back in November for breaking into several storage units in Pompano. Then an alert BSO sergeant remembered the case of a former BSO deputy who said he had guns and tactical items stolen from a secure storage unit here in North Lauderdale. That led them to Babula.
"He put two and two together and said we should look into this case being tied into this person," Concepcion said.
Investigators want to recover those guns. They also want to match up all the items stolen with their rightful owners. And BSO said there are dozens of unsolved storage unit thefts in this area.
If you can help BSO, contact Det. Erika Rockey at (954) 786-4280.
