Adrian
Florida law enforcement has apprehended five alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in connection with a series of retail thefts across the state. One of the suspects, RAMON JESUS CARPINTERO-LUNA, was captured in tears during his interrogation, as shown in a photo released by Polk County Sheriff GRADY JUDD during a press conference.
The suspects, identified as ALEXIS JOSE RODRIGUEZ-BENAVIDES, DARWINS SMITH VASQUEZ-LEON, ILDEMARO MIGUEL ESCALONA MENDOZA, RAMON JESUS CARPINTERO-LUNA, and SAMUEL OGLIS DAVID ANTHONY CHARLIE, are facing charges of organized retail theft and robbery. Authorities are also pursuing racketeering charges, according to Fox 13. All five individuals are believed to be in the U.S. without legal authorization.
The investigation into the thefts began in October after Publix reported a series of high-end liquor thefts from its Central Florida stores. Walmart and Sam’s Club later reported similar incidents. In Polk County alone, investigators have documented 32 cases of theft and robbery.
The breakthrough in the case occurred last month at a Sam’s Club in Lakeland, where the suspects attempted to steal a shopping cart filled with $3,200 worth of liquor. During the incident, they allegedly injured a female employee who tried to stop them. The suspects fled in a car, which they crashed in the parking lot before escaping in an Uber. A search of the vehicle uncovered stolen liquor, cellphones, and a passport.
Law enforcement later discovered that two of the suspects were already in custody for an unrelated robbery in Osceola County. The remaining three were arrested on Thursday night.
At the press conference, Sheriff Judd emphasized the enhanced charges the suspects face due to their immigration status, stating, “They are tormenting and terrorizing and stealing and robbing and murdering people.” He also highlighted the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in Central Florida, describing it as “alive and well.”
[Sources: Fox 13](https://www.fox13news.com)
