TAMPA, Fla. — A man has been arrested after detectives uncovered his involvement in stealing and altering dump trucks valued at approximately $1.2 million.
The investigation began when the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a stolen dump truck from Duval County. Detectives traced the truck to a business located on Hubert Avenue in Tampa, where they found 40-year-old Olansy Marrero engaged in altering the vehicle’s VIN numbers.
Upon securing the property, law enforcement obtained search warrants for the location and additional properties connected to the business. During the searches, they discovered seven more stolen dump trucks that had been taken between 2023 and 2025 from various counties in Florida, including Hillsborough, Duval, Collier, Lee, and Palm Beach. Additionally, stolen dump trucks from Georgia and South Carolina were recovered. All the vehicles had been rebranded with the business’s company logos.
“These thefts didn’t just hurt business owners from across Florida and the Southeast, but they impacted families, employees, and construction projects,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We’re committed to those who help build up our community and will come after anyone who tries to tear it down through theft and illegal operations.”
Marrero was arrested and now faces several charges, including:
Grand Theft $100,000 or More (x3)
Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More
Possession of VIN Plate
Possession of Motor Vehicle With Altered VIN Plate
Sell or Possess Vehicle With Altered Numbers
Tampering With Physical Evidence
Operating a Chop Shop
Introduction of Contraband Into a Detention Facility
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence related to the stolen vehicles.
