Attempted Kidnapper Arrested at Star Wrestler’s Home

A man who allegedly stalked a WWE star for several years on social media was accused of breaking into her home and attempting a kidnapping.
26-year-old Daria Rae Berenato resides in Lutz, Florida, and she is a professional MMA fighter who holds a contract with WWE under the ring name Sonya Deville, in addition to starring on the reality show Total Divas. Berenato is also the first female wrestler in the WWE to openly announce that she is gay.
Around 3:00 am on August 16, the police received a report that Berenado’s home was breached by someone who triggered the alarm system when entering through a door.
The homeowner, who was asleep when the alarm sounded but saw strangers outside her residence when she peered through the window, immediately exited the house unnoticed and notified the authorities.
The Hillsboro County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to the home in response to the call, and when they arrived they said they found a South Carolina man identified as 24-year-old Phillip A. Thomas II inside.
When they interacted with Thomas, the deputies reported that the man disclosed that he had the intention of kidnapping the resident and that he was in possession of items such as a knife, zip ties, mace, and duct tape.
Thomas was taken into custody, and he is facing charges for felony aggravated stalking, armed burglary of a dwelling, and attempted armed kidnapping, in addition to misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Investigators reported that they discovered Thomas had a large presence on Berenado’s social media for many years, and they believe the man was stalking her.
The authorities additionally asserted that Thomas had been planning the alleged criminal act for at least 8 months prior to the incident.
Thomas is being held without bail.
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