Six charged in $7.8 million cargo theft operation targeting unattended semi trucks

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six members of an organized cargo theft group that targeted dozens of parked semi trucks.

On February 12, Uthmeier announced that charges of Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft had been filed against the following individuals:

• Alayn Espinosa Lopez
• Yerrison Perez
• Yasser Mederos Garcia
• Alexis Suarez Hernandez
• Alejandro Valdes
• Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova 

Officials say that the charged individuals were responsible for at least 32 cargo theft incidents and a vessel theft across Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties.

The Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit reported that between May 2023 and March 2025, the group stole 51 commercial vehicles and 28 cargo shipments.

The cargo thefts resulted in an estimated loss of nearly $7.8 million.

Authorities began investigating the cargo theft operation in May 2023 after multiple theft incidents targeting “unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo” in the Orlando area and beyond.

The stolen cargo included retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages.

“Investigators determined the defendants were part of a Major Theft Organization (MTO) that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members of the MTO would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods,” Uthmeier said in a news release.

“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” said Uthmeier. “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.”

“This case highlights the strength of Florida’s law enforcement partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and economy,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “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.”

“The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol showed exceptional commitment throughout this investigation,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze. “I commend the Florida Highway Patrol’s Cargo Theft Task Force for their close coordination with the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff, Ocoee Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department, Polk County Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff, Miami Dade Sheriff, and Daytona Beach Police Department. Their combined efforts were critical to identifying and dismantling this theft ring. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Orlando Office of Statewide Prosecution, whose work will help ensure these individuals are brought to justice.”

Officials say that the six defendants face a maximum combined penalty of 300 years in prison.