MARTIN COUNTY, FL — March 2026
Law enforcement officers from seven jurisdictions have dismantled an organized retail theft ring targeting stores across the region.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of seven individuals who coordinated to shoplift high-value items and smuggle them past store security. The group’s signature tactic involved using large ice storage containers to hide merchandise, allowing them to leave retail locations—including a store in Hobe Sound—without immediate detection.
The suspects arrested include:
Naychel Alvarez Jerez, 36
John Kevin Romero, 22
Josue Rego Romero, 29
Albert Mario Socorro Alvarez, 28
Jose Carlos Perez Salgado, 30
Antonio Perez Torres, 26
Lissette Rodriguez, 34
A joint multi-county investigation led to the arrests. Six of the seven suspects are being held at the Martin County Jail, and four are non-citizens with active U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers. These four face felony charges in addition to immigration holds.
Authorities emphasized that while organized retail crime continues to challenge Florida businesses, this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in apprehending professional theft crews.
