CRESCENT CITY, Fla. (AP) - A northeast Florida beekeeper is under arrest after deputies say he stole bees, honey and equipment from his competitors.

Ruben Josey was arrested Thursday in Putnam County after deputies say they recovered 48 stolen beehives and other goods worth thousands of dollars.

The hives were reported stolen in December and January in Putnam and surrounding counties and possibly Georgia.

Local beekeepers said they had become increasingly suspicious Josey was the thief and gathered evidence against him. Each hive has a state registration number.

Josey, 45, was charged with dealing stolen property and larceny. He was being held Saturday on $50,000 bond. His business phone was disconnected Saturday and it could not be determined if he has an attorney.

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