Man on pre-trial release arrested after stealing multiple Dyson vacuum cleaners from Best Buy
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Earl Courtney, 54, of Hawthorne, has been arrested after allegedly stealing multiple Dyson vacuum cleaners from Best Buy and then pawning them.
On March 3, a Gainesville Police Department officer reached out to Best Buy (3750 SW Archer Road) after learning that Courtney, a known shoplifter, had brought a new-in-the-box $850 Dyson vacuum cleaner to a pawn shop.
The officer learned that only two local stores sell Dyson vacuum cleaners, and only one, Best Buy, is near the pawn shop. The officer contacted the head of Butler Plaza security, who sent a picture of Courtney to the manager of Best Buy, along with a link to the specific vacuum cleaner model.
Surveillance video at Best Buy reportedly shows Courtney entering the store, selecting a Dyson vacuum cleaner, and walking out without paying. 46 minutes later, Courtney sold the same vacuum cleaner to the pawn shop, providing his Florida ID card, thumbprint, and signature; he received $250 cash for the vacuum cleaner.
On March 8, Courtney allegedly returned to Best Buy, used a ladder to select a high-end Dyson vacuum cleaner from the top shelf, and walked out without paying for the $1,049 vacuum cleaner. An employee notified the manager of this after Courtney had left the store.
On March 10, Courtney reportedly returned to Best Buy and was arrested before he could walk out with any merchandise.
Post Miranda, Courtney reportedly admitted to stealing the vacuum cleaners, saying he has a drug problem.
Formal charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property were filed this week. Courtney, whose occupation is listed as “Career Thief” on his arrest report, has 21 felony convictions (non-violent) and 10 misdemeanor convictions (one violent); he is on pre-trial release in Marion County for grand theft. He has served three state prison sentences, with his most recent release on December 30, 2025. He remains in the Alachua County Jail, with bail set at $40,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dysons are a ripoff. I bought one for Mrs. Slice about 10 years ago when $800 meant something. Worse vacuum ever…no idea what the hype is…i just assume they’re members of the ruling death cult and have free reign to run shop over us with their ‘best suction’ propaganda
31 convictions, pre trial release plus numerous prison stints and the judge gives a low Bail. So if he makes bail and Marion County files VOP which they commonly do law enforcement has to go search for this POS again.
This guy knows the system better than any judge or lawyer. He’ll keep plying his chosen trade while on probation or pre-trial release for several months, do 18 months in State Pen and then start the cycle all over again.
Cut his hands off, and tattoo THIEF across his forehead.
“Post Miranda, Courtney reportedly admitted to stealing the vacuum cleaners, saying he has a drug problem.”
So Judge, what’s it going to be this time? Pre-trial release so he can steal some more?
WTF doesn’t BB of all places know how to prevent such blatant shoplifting? The corp. HQ better look into the IQs of the workers here. 🤡💩
Sucks to be him.
Yet again. . . “pre-trial release.”