Pest Xpress worker had access to homes through real estate license

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- For two months, Action News has been following the burglary and grand theft charges against local pest control man, Ron Stevens, Jr. He's accused of using his job to gain access to customers' homes and stealing from them. After his second arrest, he's out on bond again.

"I do believe that this individual has violated many people and he belongs in jail," said victim Deborah Buda.

Action News looked into Stevens' records and found he also has an active Florida real estate license. He also had access to clients' homes with a lock box key. When we asked the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors about it, we were told that his key was deactivated after his arrest. The company's CEO told us that somehow, it was turned back on and had been activated for some time. He said he's looking into how that happened, but did deactivate the key again on Monday after our conversation.

Action News went to Pest Xpress hoping to confront Stevens. When we showed up, the employees ran inside and locked the door. We waited for them to come out, but they still refused to speak to us.

Nearby witnesses also told us they've seen Stevens working again. We asked if he was seen in uniform.

"Yeah. I want to say yeah," said Vishnu Badal.

This news came as a shock to one of Stevens' victims.

"Do not hire him. I dont care what kind of reputation they have. They have a criminal working for them," said Buda.

Action News also reached out to Salus Realty, the company that Stevens was contracted with. They told us they have the power to deactivate his real estate license, but said they won't unless he's convicted.

Stevens has allegedly stolen more than $200,000 in jewelry and other items.

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Pest Xpress worker had access to homes through real estate license