Six men are facing grand theft and conspiracy charges in connection with an organized cargo theft operation that authorities say targeted multiple counties, including St. Lucie, and caused an estimated $7.8 million in losses statewide.
Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced charges against Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova. Investigators linked the group to at least 32 cargo theft incidents and one vessel theft across Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.
“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 began in May 2023 after reports of unattended commercial semi-trailers carrying high-value cargo being stolen in the Orlando area and other parts of the state. Stolen shipments included retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages.
Investigators determined the defendants were part of a Major Theft Organization that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots and distribution corridors. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members allegedly searched for and disabled GPS tracking devices before transporting the goods to South Florida to be sold to co-conspirators involved in reselling stolen property.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, the organization is believed to be responsible for the theft of about 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments between May 2023 and March 2025.
“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 credited multiple agencies for their roles in the investigation.
“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.”
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the investigation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation.
“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 case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. All six defendants have been arrested and are currently in custody. Authorities said the defendants face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.