The Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) in southwest Florida arrested two Cubans from Miami allegedly linked to an organized gang responsible for a wave of large-scale thefts at retail stores in the state.
Last Wednesday, police officers arrested Carlos M. García Ajete, 40, and Nivaldo J. García Vento, 41, after discovering thousands of dollars worth of allegedly stolen merchandise inside their vehicle, according to a statement released by CCSO.
Authorities suspect that the arrested individuals are members of an organized gang that has been robbing major retail businesses throughout the state, including Publix, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Winn Dixie.
CCSO received information that both were suspects in a recent wave of large-scale burglaries in Martin County and may have traveled to Collier County to commit similar burglaries.
Around 2 p.m. last Wednesday, agents identified a vehicle leaving the Walmart at 6650 Collier Blvd. that matched the description of the brown GMC SUV believed to be used by the couple.
According to the statement, the driver, later identified as García Vento, ran a red light and the officers carried out a traffic stop. When the SUV came to a stop, García Ajete fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief foot chase.
The report states that the couple told the police they were coming from Fort Myers. However, suspecting that it was not true and that they had just stolen from Walmart, the officers reviewed the store's security footage.
In the video, García Vento is seen in the personal care section of the store when he grabs a pack of Gillette razors, hides it in his clothing, and leaves the store without paying.
During the vehicle registration, the police found six large bags filled with merchandise allegedly stolen: 400 bars of deodorant, razors and shaving machines, fishing equipment, cosmetics, and other items valued at nearly $5,000. Additionally, a device commonly used to disable security magnetic sensors for the items was found.
The Cubans told the authorities that they did not have receipts for any of the products.
Both are accused of multiple serious crimes, including grand theft. García Vento already had a criminal record, as he was out on bail for charges of shoplifting in Palm Beach County.
"Shoplifting is a serious problem in Florida. Now these individuals will have to answer for their criminal actions, not only in Collier County, but also in other jurisdictions," said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: