Attorney General James Uthmeier charges six suspects in organized cargo theft ring responsible for more than 33 thefts and nearly 8 million dollars in losses across Florida

Orlando, Florida – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced today the filing of criminal charges against six individuals accused of orchestrating a major organized cargo theft ring responsible for more than $7.8 million in losses across the state. The charges, which include Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft, target Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova, all of whom are currently in custody.

“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they’ll answer for their crimes in court.”

The investigation uncovered that the six defendants were part of a Major Theft Organization (MTO) that carried out at least 32 cargo thefts and one vessel theft across six counties, including Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia. The stolen cargo ranged from consumer electronics, retail merchandise, HVAC equipment, copper wire, and food products to energy drinks, wine, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages. All shipments were in the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce, further complicating the scope of the thefts.

“This case highlights the strength of Florida’s law enforcement partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and economy,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to work closely with the Attorney General’s Office and our local partners to ensure that organized theft rings are identified, dismantled, and held fully accountable under the law.”

According to law enforcement, the operation was highly organized and methodical. Members of the MTO targeted unattended commercial semi-trailers in distribution centers, parking lots, and other commercial areas. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, the thieves would locate and disable GPS tracking devices, transporting the stolen goods to South Florida. There, they were sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen property, allowing the ring to profit while evading authorities.

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“The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol showed exceptional commitment throughout this investigation,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze. “I commend the Florida Highway Patrol’s Cargo Theft Task Force for their close coordination with the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff, Ocoee Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department, Polk County Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff, Miami Dade Sheriff, and Daytona Beach Police Department. Their combined efforts were critical to identifying and dismantling this theft ring. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Orlando Office of Statewide Prosecution, whose work will help ensure these individuals are brought to justice.”

The criminal operation was first identified in May 2023 after law enforcement noted a spike in thefts involving parked semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo. Investigators traced the pattern of thefts to the MTO, which, according to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, was responsible for the theft of approximately 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments between May 2023 and March 2025.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith emphasized the broader impact of such criminal enterprises on local communities and businesses. “This operation demonstrates what’s possible when agencies work together to hold criminal organizations accountable,” Smith said. “Organized cargo theft is not a victimless crime — it drives up costs for businesses and consumers alike. The Orlando Police Department is proud of its detectives, who played a key role in initiating this investigation and is thankful for our partners at FHP and the Attorney General’s office of statewide prosecution.”

The arrests mark the culmination of a complex, multi-agency investigation involving careful surveillance, coordination, and intelligence sharing. Authorities highlighted that dismantling such theft rings requires constant collaboration between local and state law enforcement, given the mobility of stolen goods and the sophistication of the criminals involved.

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The six defendants now face a combined maximum sentence of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections if convicted of all charges. Their prosecutions will proceed in the coming months under the supervision of the Office of Statewide Prosecution, which specializes in complex, multi-jurisdictional criminal cases.

Attorney General Uthmeier noted the broader implications of the case for Florida’s economy. “Criminal networks like this one undermine Florida’s supply chain, increase costs for consumers, and threaten legitimate businesses. By dismantling this ring, we are sending a clear message that organized theft will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” he said.

The investigation serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of commercial supply chains and the importance of vigilance, security measures, and rapid law enforcement response. Authorities are encouraging businesses to report any suspicious activity involving commercial vehicles or cargo, emphasizing that timely reporting can prevent thefts and support ongoing investigations.

This case underscores the commitment of Florida law enforcement agencies to combat organized criminal activity that affects both the economy and public trust. Through coordinated efforts, resources from multiple departments, and intelligence-driven investigations, officials have successfully halted a criminal enterprise that had operated with impunity across multiple counties for nearly two years.

For communities and businesses affected by cargo theft, the arrests of Espinosa Lopez, Perez, Mederos Garcia, Suarez Hernandez, Valdes, and Hernandez Relova offer a measure of reassurance that law enforcement is actively addressing high-value thefts that disrupt commerce and threaten public safety.

As the legal process unfolds, Florida authorities continue to stress the importance of partnership and vigilance. The dismantling of this cargo theft ring demonstrates the power of collaboration among state, county, and local law enforcement agencies and serves as a model for future efforts to combat organized crime in the state.