- May 12, 2025
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The general manager of a Bradenton restaurant has been charged after police say he burglarized Oak & Stone, where he worked.
William “Billy” Johnson, 43, was arrested the evening of April 29, the same day as the burglary, police say.
Investigators with the Bradenton Police Department identified Johnson as the suspect in the "bungled burglary" after reviewing footage from security cameras inside Oak & Stone as well as external cameras.
Surveillance video from Oak & Stone at 1201 Barcarrota Blvd. showed a man whose face was covered walking into the manager’s office and unplugging the security cameras at 5:44 a.m., according to police.
A review of multiple cameras near the restaurant show the suspect had parked a Kia SUV that was registered to Johnson several blocks from Oak & Stone, police say.
The suspect could be seen opening the restaurant with a key before exiting 10 minutes later, wiping the door handles and leaving the door unlocked.
When he returned to the Kia, officials allege he was carrying a deposit bag.
An Oak & Stone employee arriving for work later that morning found the entrance unlocked, the safe empty and ajar and the bar's cash register apparently forced open.
When the employee informed the general manager, Johnson, he said he had locked the restaurant at 12:45 a.m.
Johnson was arrested at his home and declined to speak with detectives, according to authorities.
Approximately $3,500 was reportedly stolen from the safe, which investigators are trying to recover.
Johnson was released from custody April 30 after posting $5,000 bond, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure while unarmed.
Oak & Stone says in a statement obtained by WFLA that Johnson has “been dismissed” from his employment there.
Anyone with information about the case may contact Detective Rachael Tobie [email protected]. Tipsters can reach out anonymously to Manatee Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 (TIPS).
