TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A Tallahassee business owner has been arrested after FDLE agents say he used the tax ID number of another business in Pensacola to lease multiple cars and heavy equipment valued at more than $200,000.
On Thursday, agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Robert Brinker, 45, on charges of scheme to defraud and criminal use of personal identification information. They say he is the owner of Deep South Crane and Equipment Rentals, Inc., in Tallahassee.
FDLE began its investigation in March after receiving a citizen complaint. They say Brinker, using the tax ID number of a similarly named business in Pensacola, leased three new vehicles and heavy equipment from a dealership in Tallahassee.
In September and October of last year, Brinker leased a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee valued at nearly $95,000, a 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 truck valued around $62,000 and a 2019 Dodge Ram 4500 valued at more than $68,000.
Agents say he was able to obtain the credit to lease the vehicles using the tax ID number from the Pensacola business.
While Brinker doesn't work at the Pensacola business and is not affiliated with them, FDLE says he has fraudulently used the business' tax information in the past. He now has additional charges pending against him for using their tax ID number to purchase vehicles.
Brinker was arrested Thursday morning at his home and was booked into the Leon County Jail. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest.
He was ordered held without bond until first appearance.
