Brooksville firefighter remains on paid leave following theft arrest

BROOKSVILLE –
A suspended city firefighter is still under investigation following his shoplifting arrest last month, his boss said Tuesday.

Justin Rossano, 26, of Spring Hill, was charged Sept. 23 with misdemeanor retail theft.

A Walmart employee saw Rossano remove a sheet set and a nightlight and conceal the items before bypassing the registers as he walked toward the exit, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

The total value of the items was $36.17, deputies said.

Rossano was arrested at the Walmart at 13300 Cortez Blvd., according to a sheriff’s report.

He was transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident, deputies said.

Rossano has been a firefighter/EMT with the Brooksville Fire Department for a little more than a year, said Chief Tim Mossgrove.

“We have an active internal affairs investigation going on,” said Mossgrove.

Rossano’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 27.

He is being represented by Brooksville attorney Jimmy Brown, according to court records.

Rossano, who submitted a written plea of not guilty last week, remains on paid leave as the investigation continues, Mossgrove said.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or [email protected].