Photo courtesy 247sports.com
Florida Gators offensive lineman Jessamen Dunker has been arrested on charges of grand theft auto for allegedly stealing a vehicle on campus. In Florida, grand theft auto is a third degree felony, which is exactly what Dunker will be facing if he is found guilty.
To make matters worse, Dunker was driving on a suspended license, which is a second degree misdemeanor.
Dunker was a solid offensive lineman out of high school with a great amount of promise for the Gators while spending his true freshman year of 2012 wearing a redshirt.
Steve McClain, a senior associate athletic director, said that “Coach [Will] Muschamp is aware of the incident. He is on the road recruiting and will address it when he returns.”
Dunker was booked at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday by the University Police Department into Alachua County Jail. No bond has been set and emails seeking contact regarding the charges have not been immediately returned.
Contrary to an initial report, it is unlikely that Dunker stole a scooter or moped because he violated Florida’s statute 812.014.2c6. That statute states the following:
(c) It is grand theft of the third degree and a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the property stolen is:
6. A motor vehicle, except as provided in paragraph (a).
Paragraph (a) goes on to cover things between $300 and $5,000, so it’s safe to say that it’s probably not a moped or scooter.
It will be interesting to see where all of this goes as the details come out, so stay tuned.
Dan Irwin is a sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ danirwin_rant or on Facebook at “facebook.com/danirwin.sports“.
