School teacher, boyfriend accused of burglary in Winter Haven

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Polk County school teacher and her boyfriend are accused of burglary and dealing in stolen property, police said.

Amy Alvarado, 42, and Brian Fideau, 30, both of Winter Haven, were arrested Tuesday by Polk County sheriff's deputies.

Investigators said the couple were driving in the area of Troon Court on Monday when Fideau got out of the vehicle and stole a set of $2,500 golf clubs from an open garage.

After taking the clubs, Fideau put them in the car and Alvarado drove away, authorities said.

At the time of the theft, Alvarado's adult son, Gerson Alvarado, 22, and his friend, Marlon Arrindell, 23, were in the car, police said.

Neighbors who witnessed the theft called police and described the Cadillac the suspects were driving. Later in the day, police stopped a vehicle matching the description and took the suspects into custody for questioning.

Police said Amy Alvarado, a second-grade teacher at Eastside Elementary School, told deputies that after stealing the clubs, they went to several pawn shops in an attempt to sell them.

She said she was eventually able to get $180 for the clubs from Play It Again Sports in Winter Haven after signing a form stating that she was the owner of the property.

She was charged with burglary to a dwelling, grand theft and dealing in stolen property, among other charges.

Fideau denied involvement in the crime, but police arrested him on charges that include burglary, grand theft and possession of marijuana, among other charges.

Gerson Alvarado, who was on probation for robbery, was arrested on violation of probation charges, as well as possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Arrindell was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Authorities said Arrindell had just bonded out of jail the day prior following an arrest related to theft charges.

WFTV