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Police arrest Volusia County exterminator accused of robbing clients

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County exterminator accused of stealing from his customers has been arrested.

Johnny Swanger, 44, is accused of taking jewelry from client homes and then pawning it for cash.

One of Swanger's alleged victims said he stole a sentimental gold chain and pendant that meant the world to her.

According to arrest reports, Swanger sprayed for bugs in homes and worked for several pest control companies, but authorities said he also stole close to $10,000 in jewelry.

Mitilda Klees said she believes Swanger stole a gold chain that belonged to her 25-year-old son who died from muscular dystrophy.

Klees said she remembers the day Swanger came to her Daytona Beach Shores condo last June. She said he was sweaty and nervous as he pretended to treat for bugs.

"When I think about it, he didn't look too trustworthy," Klees said.

Swanger appeared in court on Wednesday, accused of stealing from Klees and three other families while working as an exterminator going back as far as 2008.

Three victims in the Port Orange area also had jewelry missing after a visit from Swanger, authorities said.

Police were able to identify Swanger after a resident in the Palmas Bay subdivision where a victim saw him spraying in dresser drawers and cabinets and surveillance cameras captured images of his truck.