James Uthmeier charges six individuals in organized cargo theft ring responsible for more than 30 thefts and nearly eight million dollars in losses across multiple Florida counties

Orlando, Florida – Florida authorities have taken decisive action against a large-scale organized cargo theft operation that stretched across multiple counties and caused millions of dollars in losses to the state’s businesses and supply chain. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced today that six individuals have been charged in connection with an extensive cargo theft ring responsible for 33 theft incidents, including the theft of a vessel, and nearly $7.8 million in stolen goods.

The defendants — Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova — were arrested and face charges including Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. The crimes spanned Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties, affecting both businesses and consumers in the region.

“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” Attorney General 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.”

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Authorities say the investigation began in May 2023, following reports of semi-trailers loaded with valuable cargo being stolen while parked in commercial areas, distribution centers, and other vulnerable locations. The stolen goods included retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wiring, HVAC equipment, cooking oil, food products, energy drinks, wine, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages. Most of the shipments were part of interstate or intrastate commerce, making the impact on the economy significant.

Investigators determined the group operated as a Major Theft Organization (MTO), using coordinated strategies to target unattended trucks and disable GPS tracking devices to avoid detection. Once stolen, the cargo was transported to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators in a network of resale operations. The Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit reports that between May 2023 and March 2025, the MTO stole roughly 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments.

“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.”

Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze praised the collaborative effort, noting the vital coordination between local and state agencies. “The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol showed exceptional commitment throughout this investigation,” Howze said. “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.”

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Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith also emphasized the broader implications of cargo theft. “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.”

All six defendants are currently in custody and face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections if convicted. Authorities say this case serves as a warning to other organized theft operations that Florida law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed to protecting the state’s economy and communities.

The investigation and arrests underscore the importance of coordinated efforts between state and local law enforcement agencies, highlighting the complex nature of cargo theft schemes and the need for proactive strategies to prevent them. By dismantling this ring, Florida authorities hope to deter similar criminal activity and maintain the integrity of the state’s commercial supply chains.

This multi-agency effort demonstrates how collaboration across jurisdictions and law enforcement divisions can effectively combat organized crime. As the case moves through the courts, authorities will continue monitoring for related theft activity, ensuring that those responsible for financial and economic harm are held fully accountable.

The arrest and prosecution of these six individuals mark a significant victory for Florida law enforcement and send a clear message that organized cargo theft will not be tolerated. The Office of Statewide Prosecution, alongside the Florida Highway Patrol and local police departments, will continue to pursue and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety and economic stability of the region.