Four Cuban nationals are facing serious prison time—up to a combined 832 years—after being charged in connection with a large-scale criminal theft ring operating across Florida and Texas. If convicted, they also face deportation.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the arrests, calling the case an example of the consequences of lax border enforcement. Uthmeier stated that one of the suspects entered the U.S. legally during the Obama administration, while the other three entered illegally under the Biden administration. “They’ve all got criminal records and shouldn’t have been here,” he said.
The investigation began in May when detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Organized Crime Task Force noticed a pattern of Electronic Control Module (ECM) thefts from freightliner semi-trucks. These ECMs—often called the “brains” of the truck—render the vehicle useless once removed.
The theft ring is believed to have targeted trucks across Florida (including Hillsborough, Duval, Lee, and Polk counties) and Texas (Travis and Williamson counties). The operation resulted in losses of $400,000 in stolen ECMs and $370,000 in damages, authorities said.
A collaborative investigation involving multiple agencies—including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade sheriff’s offices, and the AG’s Office of Statewide Prosecution—led to the execution of 25 search warrants and subpoenas.
The four suspects—Geosvany Figuerdo-Gonzalez (27), Orlando Martínez-Dorta (27), Brian Sanchez-Perez (28), and Liovel Urra-Penate (28)—are all based in Miami and Palm Beach counties. Authorities say all four have criminal records and are believed to be in the country unlawfully.
The men face 139 charges in total, including:
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Conspiracy to engage in racketeering
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RICO and attempted RICO
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65 counts of third-degree grand theft
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65 counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance
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Criminal mischief of $1,000 or more
ICE has placed detainer requests on three of the suspects, while the immigration status of the fourth, a green card holder, is under review.
Sheriff Chronister said there’s a growing black market for stolen ECMs, which can sell for $3,000 to $10,000 each. Investigators discovered the stolen parts were being sold to a Texas-based broker who wiped and resold them. That part of the case has been referred to federal authorities for a broader investigation, and more arrests are expected.
“This wasn’t petty theft,” Chronister said. “This was a calculated criminal enterprise targeting people who help keep our economy moving.”
Attorney General Uthmeier added, “We’ve made it clear that crime doesn’t pay in Florida. If you’re here illegally and committing crimes, we’ll work with the Trump administration to send you back.”
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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