Sanford man killed in home invasion

A man posing as a sheriff’s deputy broke into a Sanford home early Friday and fatally shot the homeowner, authorities said.

Lee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at the mobile home on Hickory Nut Court shortly before 6 a.m. and found Anthony Wayne Giles, 45, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Giles’ wife told deputies that a man carrying an assault-type rifle broke into the house, announced himself as “sheriff” and demanded money.

Giles’ wife, whose name was not released, said the man tied her up after she gave him money. Investigators said the couple's two adult children were also in the home. They were not hurt.

Anthony Giles, who went by Andy, owned a small logging company. Deborah Bruton's husband, Wilbert, worked for him for seven years. She described him as honest and hard-working.

"I don't know who did it," she said. "But whoever did it, I hope you find them quick and bring them to justice fast, because he didn't deserve this."

Deborah Bruton said Giles was generous man.

"He was the type of man if you asked him for it, you just ask him and he'd give it to you," she said. "You didn't even have to ask him if he felt as though you needed it."

Added Wilbert Bruton, "I just can't believe he's gone. He'd do anything for anybody."

The shooter was described as black, with his hair in dreadlocks pulled into a ponytail. He was wearing a black knit cap, a gray-colored sweatshirt with “Sheriff’s Dept.” on it and tan cargo pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 919-755-5531 or Crime Stoppers at 919-718-4577. Crime Stoppers pays cash for tips leading to an arrest, and callers may remain anonymous.