PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Punta Gorda man for grand theft, burglary, and dealing in stolen property — his 28th booking, with 56 records, and he is a convicted felon. Arrested Sunday at his home was Kevin Lee Peterson, 30, of the 1500 block of Hickory Avenue. Deputies responded to a home burglary in the 13000 block of Aloha Circle in Tropical Gulf Acres on Jan. 4 when the home owner said someone stole a $300 Hobart wire welder from a work bench in her garage. She said she suspected Peterson, who was at her home about the time the theft occurred as he had inquired about the welder. The victim said the incident happened approximately three weeks ago and she did not report the crime because she was attempting to recover her welder from Peterson and didn’t want to involve law enforcement. She said she confronted Peterson and he denied the theft. She then contacted CCSO.

Deputies began their investigation and learned Peterson had previously sold items to a man in the 26000 block of Flower Road in Punta Gorda. Detectives contacted the man, who said he was approached by Peterson a few weeks ago and paid him $25 for a Hobart welder. He said Peterson told him the welder belonged to his deceased father. The victim identified her welder and was provided a photo lineup by deputies. She positively identified Peterson. Sunday, deputies met with Peterson at his home. He denied ever selling a welder to anyone. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail, where he remains on $45,000 bond.