Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against several individuals accused in an organized theft operation across Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties during a press conference this week.
Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova were charged with Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft after allegedly participating in at least 32 cargo theft incidents and a vessel theft across the areas, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly $7.8 million.
All face a maximum combined 300 years in prison.
“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they’ll answer for their crimes in court.”
According to the attorney general, the investigation began after several reported thefts of unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with expensive cargo, including retail merchandise and consumer electronics, in the Orlando region and beyond in 2023.
Items that were also stolen include copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.
In addition, investigators indicated the defendants were allegedly part of a Major Theft Organization (MTO) targeting parked semi-trailers in parking lots and commercial areas. MTO accomplices would then search for and disable GPS to avoid law enforcement before transporting the items to South Florida for resale by co-conspirators.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, MTO is allegedly responsible for 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments from May 2023 to March 2025.
Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution led the investigation.
“This case highlights the strength of Florida’s law enforcement partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and economy,” Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to work closely with the Attorney General’s Office and our local partners to ensure that organized theft rings are identified, dismantled, and held fully accountable under the law.”
