Beer in hand, TV on, loud music playing.
A Bradenton man apparently broke in and made himself comfortably “at home,” but soon was arrested for burglary. He told police he owned the Holmes Beach home with singer-songwriter Mariah Carey.
And his pop-star story quickly spread to national media, including in New York and Miami.
Jason Lowell James, 35, was arrested March 15 for burglary to an unoccupied residence and grand theft with more than $1,000 damage, following a neighbor’s report to the Holmes Beach Police Department about a possible breakin.
“No doubt he stayed all night,” said Dave Pate, the neighbor who reported the unauthorized entry in the 100 block of White Avenue after talking to Wesley Beck, a representative for owner ATEM Partnership of Lakeland.
Beck said his group had no relationship with James and chuckled when hearing he’d claimed ownership with the pop star.
“I don’t think he was robbing the place. I think he had other problems,” Beck said.
Officers were dispatched at 9:02 a.m. and determined forced entry had been made by unscrewing the gate, according to HBPD Sgt. Mike Pilato’s report.
Gun drawn, Pilato approached the residence.
“I began to walk up and take a tactical position on the stairs when I observed James with a Bud Light in his hand,” Pilato wrote.
“I commanded James to put down the beer and get face down on the floor. I continued to hold him at gunpoint until my backup arrived.
“James was stating that he owns the residence and has owned it for 17 years. He stated that Mariah Carey was part owner and he lives there,” according to the report.
As James was being transported to Manatee County jail and officers were assessing the damage at the residence, Pilato reported that text messages were coming in on James’ cellphone about bringing him food, beverages and a television.
According to the report, HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer responded to the incoming texts, officers moved their vehicles from the scene and law enforcement waited for the person texting James to arrive.
James’ mother, an owner of a vehicle found in the residence driveway, arrived to White Avenue and reported her involvement to HBPD.
“She stated that she brought her son to the residence yesterday at 3:30 p.m. and dropped him off. He stated that he was staying at the residence at no cost to try it out,” according to the police report.
The report also estimated $2,100 in damages to the residence, including scratched flooring, a shattered front window, and a damaged door and stormshutters.
“Kudos goes to the Holmes Beach police,” said Pate. “They did a great job responding.”
Pate also said HBPD talked to other neighbors to piece together what happened.
“We have a very active neighborhood watch,” added Pate.
The pop star seemed good natured about the news report mentioning her, tweeting March 16 a sad face emoticon and “Lol…wtf.”
James posted bond of $8,500 and was released from jail.
His arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, April 17, in 12th Judicial Circuit Court at Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.