for immediate release
April 15, 2004
N E W S R E L E A S E
At least one dozen residential burglaries are being cleared with the arrest of three
teenagers. Approximately $50,000 worth of stolen property, including ten firearms and two
simulated guns, have been recovered with the arrest of Michael Anthony Montano
(pictured top left), age 17 (8-18-1986), of 3004 Yorktown Circle, Fort Walton Beach; Christopher Michael Ployer
(pictured right), age 16
(12-1-1987), also of 3004 Yorktown Circle; and Joseph Michael Sillos (pictured
bottom left), age 15 (6-2-1981), of
330 Kathleen Place, Fort Walton Beach.
The three are suspects in a string of residential burglaries during the past weeks in the
Willow Bend and Lost Trails subdivisions and in Shalimar. The burglaries were committed during
daylight hours. Entry was gained in many cases through unlocked doors, and in other instances by
breaking a window. At least $70,000 worth of property was taken, including guns, jewelry,
electronic and photo equipment, prescription drugs, home video games, and a bulletproof vest.
A break in the case came this week when a citizen reported knowing of teenagers who
were trying to sell stolen guns. The arrests were made Tuesday night (April 13), after an
undercover Deputy Sheriff purchased a stolen 9-millimeter handgun with the serial number filed
off. At that time, another handgun was found concealed in the waistband of suspect Montano.
Montano was arrested on the spot on charges of Armed Burglary to a Dwelling, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony. Ployer was charged with Armed Burglary to a Dwelling, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony. Sillos was charged with Grand Theft of a Firearm and Dealing in Stolen Property.
The investigation is continuing; additional charges and arrests are possible.
Stolen property has been recovered from the residences of the suspects and other locations, including a neighboring house whose owner was unaware the attic above his garage was being used to hide stolen property.
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For more information contact Sgt. Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420