Written by If you’ve bought a used golf cart off Facebook Marketplace lately, or your cart went missing near Lake Sumter Landing, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office wants to hear from you.
Deputies and detectives arrested Steven Santiago and David Timothy Andrews on Tuesday, Nov. 10, after investigating a series of golf cart thefts in the Lake Sumter Landing area of The Villages between Oct. 24 and Nov. 10, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
How detectives say it worked
Investigators say the suspects hot-wired golf carts, then rekeyed them. Instead of hauling the carts out of the area right away, they allegedly drove them to other local businesses and left them parked overnight, tried to sell them on Facebook Marketplace, and came back later to pick them up.
Villages-News reports the case came together Tuesday when a victim used GPS to track a stolen cart to the Glenview Country Club, where deputies stopped the suspects’ car. The outlet also reports one buyer paid $4,500 for a stolen cart in a handoff behind the Spanish Springs movie theater.
Charges
- Steven Santiago: four counts of grand theft.
- David Timothy Andrews: three counts of grand theft, plus violation of probation and possession of narcotics.
Detectives recovered three stolen carts. Two had been reported to the Sheriff’s Office and one to Lady Lake police. Charges are allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sheriff: there may be more victims
“We believe there may be additional victims and stolen golf carts connected to this operation, and we need the public’s help,” Sheriff Pat Breeden said in the release. He asked anyone who bought a golf cart or other property from the two men, or talked with them on Facebook Marketplace, to come forward.
- Call the Sheriff’s Office: 352-569-1600
- Stay anonymous: CrimeLine, 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)
One couple whose cart was taken told WESH they now keep their new cart in the garage and use a wheel boot. How do you keep your cart safe when you’re out on the square? Share your tips in the comments.
Sources: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office release, Nov. 12, 2026; Villages-News, Nov. 12, 2026; WESH 2 News, Nov. 12, 2026.