Taylor Swift's Dad Has Run-In With Would-Be Burglar

Scott Swift and Terrence Hoover

Pop superstar Taylor Swift’s dad paid $4 million for a penthouse in one of the Vinoy Place towers loaded with security measures, but a career criminal recently waltzed through the entrance on Januaery 17th to climb 13 flights to burglarize the condominium, according to a St. Petersburg police report.

Through property records and other databases, the Tampa Bay Times determined Scott Swift owns the penthouse. He did not respond to messages left at phone numbers listed for him or respond to an email.

Swift found Terrence Hoover in the penthouse when he returned home at about 10 p.m. the night of the burglary, according to Pinellas County court records. The residence can only be accessed through an emergency stairwell or an elevator that requires a key card, court records show.

Hoover’s arrest history goes back years, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement records. Some prior arrests include domestic violence by strangulation, aggravated battery, burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping and false imprisonment, records show

On the day of the burglary, Hoover got past the “fully gated and guarded entrance” and then ran through the parking garage to the emergency stairwell, according to an arrest affidavit. A security camera recorded Hoover walk up the stairs and exit the stairwell into the penthouse just before 10 p.m., the report states.

Seconds later, Swift returned home through the elevator and watched Hoover run out of his residence. A struggle ensued between the men before Hoover ran away.  Swift later picked Hoover from a photo pack of pictures.

A judge signed an arrest warrant on Jan. 31. Marion County deputies arrested him on Feb. 12, records show. He faces a burglary charge and is in jail on $50,000 bail.

Swift purchased the property in February 2018 under the name of Ocean Pines, LLC based in Hendersonville, Tenn., according to Pinellas property records. The penthouse encompasses the entire top floor of one tower and includes 5,359 square feet, three bedrooms and three full baths.