A significant multi-state criminal enterprise has been dismantled, leading to the apprehension of four Cuban nationals who now face the prospect of staggering prison sentences and potential deportation. This extensive theft ring operated across Florida and Texas, targeting valuable vehicle components and causing substantial financial losses to victims.
The individuals, identified as Geosvany Figuerdo-Gonzalez, Orlando MartÃnez-Dorta, Brian Sanchez-Perez, and Liovel Urra-Penate, could collectively serve up to 832 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Authorities highlighted that while one individual possessed a green card issued during the Obama administration, the other three unlawfully entered the U.S. under the Biden administration. All four reportedly possessed prior criminal records, raising questions about their presence and activities within the country.
The breakthrough in this case was the result of meticulous investigative work and exceptional law enforcement cooperation. Working in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, investigators secured 25 search warrants and investigative subpoenas. Crucial assistance was also provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and the Miami-Dade Police Department, underscoring the collaborative effort required to combat such organized crime.
The scale of the victimization was considerable, with 93 individuals falling prey to the syndicate. The primary target of the theft ring was Engine Control Modules (ECMs) from semi-trucks, leading to approximately $400,000 in stolen property and an additional $370,000 in damages caused by forced entry and wiring harness tampering. This systematic approach to theft demonstrated a calculated and professional criminal operation.
Investigations confirmed that the ECM theft incidents spanned various regions, impacting Hillsborough, Duval, Lee, and Polk Counties in Florida, as well as Travis and Williamson counties in Texas. The alleged perpetrators, primarily based in Miami and Palm Beach counties, are widely believed by authorities to be in the U.S. without legal status, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The four Cuban nationals have been formally charged with a combined 139 counts, including conspiracy to engage in racketeering charges (RICO), attempted RICO, grand theft, and criminal mischief. Specifically, Figuerdo-Gonzalez, MartÃnez-Dorta, and Sanchez-Perez face 65 counts each of grand theft 3rd degree and burglary of unoccupied conveyance, particularly noting their cross-county travel for criminal purposes.
A critical discovery made during the investigation was the existence of a robust secondary market for the stolen ECMs. Detectives uncovered that these high-value components were being sold for prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 apiece. Furthermore, criminals were reportedly selling these parts to a broker in Texas who would then “wipe” them clean for resale, facilitating the illicit trade and expanding the reach of the criminal network.
The information regarding the secondary market has been handed over to federal law enforcement partners, prompting an extended investigation that is expected to lead to additional charges against more individuals. Officials have issued strong statements, emphasizing that criminal activity will not be tolerated in Florida and that those found to be “illegal aliens” involved in such schemes will face stringent prison sentences and deportation, reinforcing the state’s commitment to upholding the law.
Leave a Reply