Monroe County State Attorney’s Office

KEY WEST, APRIL 19, 2018 — A Key West man will spend the next 43.2 months in state prison following his guilty pleas to crimes that occurred during the governor-declared State of Emergency for Hurricane Irma.

Maurice Matticx, 41, admitted to felony charges of burglary and grand theft April 12 before Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Mark Jones, who handed down the sentence. Matticx will serve 36 months of probation following his release from prison.

According to police reports, on Sept. 14, 2017, Matticx broke into a Key West house and stole more than $300 in cash, an iPhone, a watch and a shirt. The house’s resident caught Matticx in the act.

Gov. Rick Scott declared the State of Emergency on Sept. 4, 2017, and it was still in effect the day of the crimes. Prosecutor Patrick Flanigan charged that Matticx’s actions “were facilitated by the conditions arising from the emergency,” contrary to state law.

Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 10, 2017.

Contact: Public Information Officer Larry Kahn, (305) 289-2899.

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