'School Of Rock' Star & Guitarist Joey Gaydos, Jr., Busted For Stealing Guitars

Gaydos, who is known for his role as lead guitarist, Zack Mooneyham, in the fictional school band fronted by Jack Black, has been hit with felony charges for larceny and grand theft.

March 07, 2019
Surveillance footage of Joey Gaydos from Troll music store [TMZ (screenshot)]

Photo by: Surveillance footage of Joey Gaydos from Troll music store [TMZ (screenshot)]

Surveillance footage of Joey Gaydos from Troll music store [TMZ (screenshot)]

By: Catherine Townsend

SARASOTA, FL — School of Rock star Joey Gaydos, Jr., is in hot water after allegedly stealing guitars and other equipment from several music stores in Florida.

Gaydos, who is known for his role as lead guitarist, Zack Mooneyham, in the fictional school band fronted by Jack Black, has been hit with felony charges for larceny and grand theft.

TMZ reports that Gaydos walked into several shops in February, asked to test guitars — and then allegedly stole them. He then allegedly sold the instruments to pawn shops.

The first alleged theft took place on February 7 at Troll Music store. Afterward, police released surveillance footage of Gaydos and the guitar, which put store owners in the area on high alert.

Joey Gaydos, Jr. [Sarasota County Sheriff's Office]

Photo by: Joey Gaydos, Jr. [Sarasota County Sheriff's Office]

Joey Gaydos, Jr. [Sarasota County Sheriff's Office]

The items Gaydos has allegedly stolen include a blue Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul valued at $800, a black Fender Stratocaster valued at $699, and a Gibson Les Paul gold top valued around $2,000.

He was arrested on February 11 at a Sarasota Sam Ash music store. This time, after strolling out with a Gibson Les Paul, TMZ reports that customers followed him out to his car and blocked him from leaving until the cops arrived.

Police say that Joey has confessed — but has pleaded not guilty in connection with the guitar thefts.

Read more: TMZ, NBC News

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