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Two employees at the Port of Miami were arrested this week for their involvement in a theft at what is considered one of the main logistics hubs in the United States.
However, workers did not take expensive cell phones or sophisticated electronic devices, but rather several pieces of art from one of the terminals at the port, valued at $50,000, local authorities reported.
The detainees have been identified as Angel Junior Prudhomme, 27 years old; and Tangela Denise Parks, 50, both residents of Miami and custodians assigned to the Port of Miami.
The arrest took place this Wednesday, following an investigation led by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO).
The beginning of the investigation
According to arrest reports -cited by local media- the investigation began when port authorities notified the MDSO detectives about an alleged theft that occurred within the Terminal G of the port.
"The detectives of the MDSO met with port authorities and reviewed surveillance footage that showed Miami Port workers removing artwork from a terminal, loading it into their personal vehicles, and leaving the port," stated a press release from the MDSO issued this Thursday.
The incident occurred on May 12, but it was formally reported on May 23 through the public corruption reporting line.
From that point on, the Public Corruption Section of the MDSO took over the investigation, successfully identifying the suspects thanks to the analysis of surveillance footage.
How the robbery was carried out
According to the video reviewed by investigators, on May 12, Prudhomme was recorded removing artwork from the walls of Terminal G and hiding it in a staircase inside the port.
Subsequently, he placed the pieces -mostly mosaics and marble works- into bins and garbage bags, in an attempt to evade the security cameras.
The next day, as the recordings show, Prudhomme loaded the stolen work into Parks' vehicle, who would also play an active role in the crime.
Damage and recovery of the works
Authorities reported that 12 of the 24 pieces removed were damaged during improper removal and transportation.
These damaged works were abandoned inside the port and later recovered by the General Unit of Maritime Port Investigations.
The remaining pieces were found on Wednesday during an operation at Prudhomme's residence.
Confessions and Arrests
According to official reports, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Prudhomme admitted to stealing the pieces and taking them to his home, while Parks acknowledged having assisted in the theft and in the transportation of the works out of the port area.
With the collaboration of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, the corresponding arrest warrants were issued.
Both individuals were transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), where they remained in custody until Thursday morning. The bonds for both were still "to be set," according to online jail records.
Official statements
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz made a strong statement following the arrest:
"As the sheriff of Miami-Dade County, I take very seriously those who use their jobs to steal. I am committed to ensuring that anyone involved in dishonest actions is held accountable," he stated in a statement on Thursday.
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