Man arrested for grand theft in Airbnb case

A 62-year-old Micanopy, Florida man was arrested on July 5 for stealing from a yacht owner operating an Airbnb out of Stock Island.

Ted Nolan Whittington was charged with two counts of grand theft and one count of burglary.

The investigation began in May when the 50-foot yacht owner (who lives primarily in Germany) told the Sheriff’s Office that he hired Whittington to operate his boat/Airbnb business. The boat was docked at Stock Island Marina Village. The owner noticed via a travel booking website that customers were staying on the boat, but Whittington was not paying him. About that same time, the owner stated the management of the marina contacted him and stated Whittington was creating problems at the marina and they would not be renewing the slip lease.

The owner stated he came back to Key West. He moved the yacht to Marathon. The owner confronted Whittington. Whittington claimed he deserved the money, because he was doing all the work.

The yacht owner estimated he lost about $5,247 due to Whittington’s maleficence.

Warrants were issued.

Whittington was booked into jail on July 5.

He remained in jail on Tuesday in lieu of $35,000 bail.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]