Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged four individuals in connection with the theft of more than $400,000 worth of semi-truck parts. The investigation, led by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Organized Crime Task Force, identified Geosvany Figueredo-Gonzalez, Brian Sanchez-Perez, Orlando Martinez-Dorta, and Liovel Urra-Penate as suspects in a series of burglaries targeting electronic control modules (ECMs) from Freightliner semi-trucks across Florida and Texas.
“We have made it clear that crime doesn’t pay in Florida, and if you’re an illegal alien, we will work with the Trump administration to remove you from our country,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I’m grateful for the hard work by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in this case for uncovering this massive scheme. Our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure the only thing coming for these criminal aliens is a strong prison sentence and a flight back to where they came from.”
“This case is a strong example of what can be accomplished when local and state agencies work as one,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The support from Attorney General James Uthmeier and our statewide prosecutors was not just helpful but essential. Without their partnership, the scope and success of this investigation simply would not have been possible. Together, we didn’t just gather intelligence, we acted on it and delivered justice.”
Authorities connected the defendants to ECM thefts in several counties throughout Florida—including Hillsborough, Duval, Lee, and Polk—as well as Travis and Williamson Counties in Texas. The group is accused of stealing ECMs valued at $404,668 and causing $372,000 in repair costs to 93 truck owners.
Prosecutors have charged the four men under the Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act along with multiple counts of burglary involving vehicles. Charges are enhanced due to alleged travel across county lines during commission of these crimes.
All four suspects are awaiting trial. Immigration authorities have placed detainers on three defendants; the fourth defendant’s permanent resident status will be reviewed upon conviction.
If convicted on all charges, each defendant could face up to 832 years in prison as well as deportation.
