Local

Man says cable company worker stole his iPhone

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Winter Garden man said he regrets allowing a Bright House Networks worker into his house.

"I'm absolutely disgusted with Bright House," said Tony Allen.

Allen said that Travis Sumlin, a Bright House technician, was working in his home. Allen said that at the same time he lost track of his brand new iPhone.

After a thorough search of his home, Sumlin said he used his computer and an application called Find My iPhone, and was able to track his phone as it moved to several locations across town.

"Sure enough, on the screen it came up as a green dot showing the exact location of my phone," said Allen.

Eventually, Allen said, the green dot stopped at the home of Sumlin.   

According to Orange County deputies, Sumlin initially denied taking the phone, but when informed about the tracking device he confessed.
   
"What do you think about him getting arrested for something like that?" WFTV reporter Jeff Deal asked Sumlin's mother.

"I think it's crazy, because he ain't never been to jail," said Cherri Sumlin.

Sumlin's mother told Deal that her son is still working for Bright House. But a Bright House representative told Deal on Friday afternoon that Sumlin is no longer working and  will be terminated.

Allen said he's glad deputies were able to get the phone back.

"It's phenomenal to think someone that you assume is trustworthy to be in your home would do something like this," said Allen.

Bright House says it does background checks on all employees and that Sumlin had no prior criminal record.

Allen said that 22 hours after his phone disappeared, deputies handed it back to him.