Bradenton man accused of stealing $250K in metal, selling it for scrap

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - 37‑year‑old Jay Pearson has been arrested and charged with one count of grand theft after deputies said he stole about $250,000 worth of molds, fixtures and scrap metal from Rapid Composites, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.A surveillance camera at the business captured the theft in the early morning hours of Aug. 13. Investigators said Pearson later told deputies he was paid about $100 and a share of the scrap money to drive a co-suspect around in a vehicle registered to a person not connected or charged in the investigation.Palmetto woman charged with stealing nearly $65K from jailed acquaintancePearson also claimed he thought the metal around the dumpster and on the pallet was scrap and said he did not know the items were drone molds or how valuable they were, according to the affidavit.Pearson was arrested in Manatee County and charged with grand theft of $100,000 or more. Deputies said Pearson confessed to being at the location, helping re