Six individuals have been charged in connection with an organized cargo theft ring that authorities say is responsible for 33 thefts and nearly $7.8 million in losses across several Florida counties. The Office of Statewide Prosecution, led by Attorney General James Uthmeier, filed charges against Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova for grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated, “This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state. 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.”
Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), commented on the collaboration among agencies: “This case highlights the strength of Florida’s law enforcement partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and economy. 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 added: “The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol showed exceptional commitment throughout this investigation. 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.”
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said: “This operation demonstrates what’s possible when agencies work together to hold criminal organizations accountable. 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 investigation began in May 2023 after multiple reports surfaced about unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value goods being stolen throughout Orlando and other areas. Items stolen included retail merchandise, electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil products, energy drinks as well as alcoholic beverages—all part of interstate or intrastate commerce.
Authorities determined that those charged were members of a Major Theft Organization (MTO) targeting parked semi-trailers in commercial zones such as parking lots or distribution corridors. After stealing vehicles or cargo shipments—estimated at 51 vehicles and 28 shipments between May 2023 and March 2025—the group allegedly disabled GPS tracking devices before transporting stolen property to South Florida for resale.
All six defendants have been arrested and remain in custody; they face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in prison.
The Florida State Executive Attorney General provides resources aimed at community safety—including support for seniors and military members—and focuses on consumer protection through educational programs against fraud as well as collaborative initiatives with law enforcement such as Back the Blue Campaigns. These services extend statewide across Florida.