Pinecrest woman accused of burglarizing neighbor's home

PINECREST, Fla. – A Pinecrest woman was arrested Monday after she burglarized her neighbor's home, police said.

Jessica Shere Coggins, 37, is accused of breaking into the home in the 12500 block of Southwest 68th Court between Friday and Sunday while the victims were on vacation.

Police said detectives who arrived at the scene became suspicious about Coggins' interest in the burglary and her behavior.

"At one point she brought out the trash receptacle. She asked the detectives many questions and offered help," Pinecrest police spokeswoman Michelle Hammontree said.

Detectives went through Coggins' garbage canister outside her home and discovered that it contained coins from various countries, and photographs of a second neighbor and his family, who had reported a theft several months earlier.

Coggins, who lives across the street from the latest victim, was arrested Monday. Police said they found two jewelry boxes and a prescription bottle belonging to the victim inside her purse.

Police said they also found keys belonging to a third neighbor's home.

The Jacobs family took Local 10 News reporter Michael Seiden through their home. They said their neighbor their neighbor first burglarized their son's home and then broke into their residence about a month ago.

"I think it is really sad," Kerry Jacobs said.

Detectives said they found other items on Coggins that might have been stolen, but have not identified from where the items came.

Coggins faces charges of burglary to an unoccupied dwelling and third-degree grand theft.

When appearing in bond court this week, a Miami-Dade County judge asked Coggins whether she was employed.

"My three kids are my job," she said.

Coggins' attorney claims his client is mentally ill.

"This is a mental health situation. She's a hoarder," the attorney said.

Coggins is on house arrest for the burglaries, which occurred over the past six months, police said.