Hawthorne Man Arrested in Theft-To-Pawn Scheme

GAINESVILLE – A Hawthorne man with an extensive criminal history was arrested earlier this month after allegedly stealing multiple high-end vacuum cleaners from a Gainesville retailer and pawning them within hours, according to police.

John Earl Courtney, 54, was taken into custody on March 10, 2026, following a series of thefts at the Best Buy store in Butler Plaza, located at 3750 S.W. Archer Road.

According to a Gainesville Police Department report, an officer began investigating on March 3 after learning Courtney had sold a new-in-the-box Dyson vacuum cleaner valued at $850 to a local pawn shop. The officer determined that only two nearby retailers carry Dyson products and identified Best Buy as the closest store to the pawn shop.

Butler Plaza security personnel provided a photograph of Courtney to Best Buy management along with a link to the specific vacuum model. Store surveillance video reportedly showed Courtney entering the store, selecting the vacuum cleaner and leaving without paying. Records indicate he sold the item to the pawn shop approximately 46 minutes later, providing identification, a thumbprint and signature in exchange for $250.

Police said Courtney returned to the store on March 8 and allegedly used a ladder to remove a higher-priced Dyson vacuum cleaner from a top shelf before again leaving without paying. The item was valued at $1,049, according to the report. Store employees notified management after the incident.

Courtney returned to Best Buy on March 10, when officers arrested him before he could leave the store with additional merchandise, police said.

After being advised of his rights, Courtney reportedly admitted to stealing the vacuum cleaners and told officers he has a drug problem.

He faces charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

Courtney’s arrest report lists his occupation as “career thief” and notes a lengthy criminal history, including 21 felony convictions and 10 misdemeanor convictions, one of which involved violence. Authorities said he was on pretrial release in Marion County for grand theft at the time of his arrest and had been released from state prison on Dec. 30, 2025, following his third prison sentence.

Courtney remained in the Alachua County Jail as of press time with bail set at $40,000.

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