OKEECHOBEE — A 16-year-old Okeechobee boy is back in jail after being charged with multiple crimes.

Norman Adams, State Road 70 East, was arrested July 21 by Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Victor Gonzalez. He was charged with seven counts of failure to appear, seven counts violation of imposed conditions and absconding supervision.

Adams’ history with the law began in May of 2020 when he was only 13 years old. He was accused of lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim over the age of 12. He was accused of assaulting a girl while she was sleeping.

In May of 2021, Adams was charged with armed burglary and possession of burglary tools. This arrest stemmed from two break ins at Sunshine Vape and Coffee. Adams and a second boy reportedly broke into the back door of the store and took $120 in cash, a jar of marijuana, bongs, vape pens, a backpack and several other items. After an employee of the business posted screen shots from the surveillance video on Facebook, Adams and a second boy were identified. The “armed” burglary charge was due to Adams carrying a camp hatchet. According to the police report, Adams had several items belonging to the store in his pockets. Among the items was a bong which the boy told officers his therapist gave him. In addition to the burglary and grand theft charges, Adams was also charged with possession of burglary tools.

In June, Adams, 14 at the time, was again charged with burglary. This time the complaints came from Country Cooler and the Methodist Church. Adams was arrested after he was found walking along Park Street near the 700 block at approximately 1:30 a.m. The boy was shirtless and reportedly told Officer Trenton Moutschka he was living on the streets.

Police Detective Bettye Taylor interviewed Adams, and he reportedly agreed to take them to the place where he had hidden the crowbar used to break into the store. He then pointed out the crowbar in a drainage ditch in the 100 block of Southwest Second Avenue.

The boy’s guardian told officers she had sought help for Adams in the past. She said he curses at her and won’t do anything she tells him to do.

All of Adams’ new charges concern violation of imposed conditions, absconding supervision or failure to appear. All resulting from the 2021 charges.

Adams was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.