Police: Woman Found Stolen Gun Under Daughter's Mattress

A Largo woman called police to her residence in the Highpoint area on Dec. 18 after discovering a handgun under a mattress in her daughter's room, according to an arrest affidavit.

The affidavit says the woman's daughter told Largo Police the gun belonged to Diego Pava Valderrama, 21, of Palm Harbor. The daughter shares the room with Valderrama. Her age was not included in the report. 

Police say they checked the serial number on the gun and discovered it was stolen in Largo on Dec. 13.

They arrested Valderrama, who reportedly admitted that the gun was his. He said he purchased the gun for $80 and "knew it was probably stolen," according to the affidavit.

Valderrama is charged with grand theft of a firearm and felon in possession of firearm. He was awaiting trial in the Pinellas County Jail on a total bond of $15,000, as of Dec. 19. Online sheriff's records say Valderrama also uses the aliases Diego Valderrama and Diego Pavavalderrama.

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