TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that four members of an organized crime ring have been charged in connection with the theft of over $400,000 worth of semi-truck electronic parts across Florida and Texas.
The suspects, all Cuban nationals believed to be in the U.S. unlawfully, allegedly stole Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) from Freightliner trucks during dozens of break-ins across both states. The investigation was led by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Organized Crime Task Force.
Authorities said the group is linked to 93 separate truck thefts, affecting owners in Hillsborough, Duval, Lee, and Polk counties in Florida, and Travis and Williamson counties in Texas. In addition to the stolen ECMs — valued at $404,668 — the suspects caused $372,000 in damage by prying open engine compartments and severing wiring harnesses.
“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. “We didn’t just gather intelligence — we acted on it and delivered justice.”
All four defendants are currently awaiting trial. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed detainers against three of the suspects. The fourth individual’s permanent resident status will be reexamined if convicted.
