Man convicted for stealing from schools returns to his old ways

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A man who served two stints in prison for breaking into vending machines at several Miami-Dade schools was arrested again, last month, for doing it again.

Miami-Dade Schools Police arrested Anderson Baez on Aug. 25 for allegedly breaking into vending machines at Miami Senior High School and Miami Central High School two days before. Surveillance footage captured Baez and an accomplice, who has not been caught, committing the crimes, on Aug. 23. Police also drew on Baez’s past to catch him.

“They put all their effort into catching this guy based on what happened in the past and linking it up with the present,” Miami-Dade Schools Police Chief Ian Moffett said.

In 2008, Baez was arrested for breaking into a vending machine at a school in Coral Gables. After being released from prison, he was arrested again in 2010 for breaking into vending machines at 12 different Miami-Dade schools. Police said thousands of dollars were taken.

“We’re here to serve, protect our future,” Moffett said.

At the time of his 2010 arrest, Baez attributed the crimes to a drug habit.

In April, Baez was released from prison, and according to police, went right back to his old exploits.

“Obviously, his mindset had not changed, and we’re here to change mindsets for kids and impact kids, and his mindset was not changed in prison,” Moffett said.

Baez is now being held without bond.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Naomi Stewart, a student, said. “Why would you do it again? OK, you get caught, and you go to jail. At least try to change.”

Police are still looking for Baez’s alleged accomplice.

“Anybody out there who’s thinking about doing something, understand, we’re watching 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Moffett said.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

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