The Office of Statewide Prosecution filed charges against Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova for their roles in at least 32 cargo theft incidents and one vessel theft across Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties. The defendants face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections and are currently in custody.
"This organized criminal operation targeted Florida's supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. Investigators determined the defendants operated as a Major Theft Organization (MTO) that systematically targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors, stealing shipments of retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil, food products, energy drinks, wine, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, the criminal organization stole approximately 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments during the 22-month operation. After stealing vehicles and cargo, members would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in resale operations.
The investigation began in May 2023 following reports of thefts involving unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo throughout the Orlando area and beyond. The case represents a coordinated effort between the Florida Highway Patrol's Cargo Theft Task Force, 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.
"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. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith emphasized that "organized cargo theft is not a victimless crime - it drives up costs for businesses and consumers alike."
The charges underscore Florida's aggressive approach to combating organized retail crime and cargo theft, which have emerged as significant concerns for supply chain security nationwide. The multi-agency investigation demonstrates the state's capacity to coordinate complex criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions.
All six defendants were arrested following the comprehensive investigation led by the Florida Highway Patrol, Orlando Police Department, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The case will proceed through Florida's court system, with the Attorney General's office handling prosecution through its statewide jurisdiction.