Gators OL Dunker arrested for grand theft

By Adam Silverstein
January 16, 2013

Updated at 4:30 p.m.

Florida Gators freshman offensive lineman Jessamen Dunker was arrested on Wednesday in Gainesville, FL and charged with a third-degree felony for grand theft of a motor vehicle as well as a second-degree misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license, a first offense.

Dunker, who was previously cited on Nov. 14, 2012 for driving without a seat belt and reportedly directed multiple expletives at the officer who pulled him over, was arrested by the University Police Department and booked into Alachua County Jail at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Alachua County Court records.

Per The Gainesville Sun:

According to Maj. Brad Barber, at about 9:50 a.m. Wednesday a UPD officer spotted a scooter following a UF physical plant truck too closely. The officer noticed the scooter did not have a license plate attached and stopped Dunker at the south end zone area of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Police determined that Dunker was driving on a suspended license and on a scooter that had previously been reported stolen near the football stadium.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Dunker told the UPD upon his arrest that he had previously purchased the scooter (which was not adorned with a license tag) for $600.

He remains in lock-up as of press time as bond has not been set for his case because he has not yet been called before a judge.

Dunker paid ticket fees and court costs of $127 to settle his previous issue. However, as a result of those payments being received more than 30 days after the citation was issued, his license was suspended when payment was made on Dec. 26, 2012.

Not playing in 2012 during his true freshman season, Dunker is expected to compete for playing time and perhaps even a starting role as a redshirt freshman in 2013.

Head coach Will Muschamp is on the road recruiting but aware of Dunker’s situation. He will address it when he returns, according to team spokesman Steve McClain. A media availability had previously been scheduled this week for Friday at noon.