Sheriff Grady Judd: Group of illegal immigrants stole nearly $1.7 million in property across Florida
POLK COUNTY, Fla. - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media on a 17-month investigation into a group that burglarized homes across the state.
According to PCSO, the investigation dug into a South American Theft Group (SATG) that burglarized at least nine homes in six Florida counties, stealing nearly $1.7 million in property. They are also suspected of additional burglaries.
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All four suspects were living in Winter Garden and were in the U.S. illegally from Colombia, according to the sheriff's office.
In a news conference Thursday, Judd said the group targeted homes belonging to small business owners, most of whom are Asian-American, conducting surveillance on each home before carrying out the thefts.
According to Judd, the suspects primarily stole jewelry and watches, designer purses and bags, and cash.
Image courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office
"What makes these folks so really, really dangerous: they are professional burglars. This is organized criminal conduct at retail facilities," Judd said.
The suspects in the case include:
- Geraldine Galeano-Perez, 33, booked into the Polk County Jail
- Geiler Orobio-Cabezas, 36, booked into the Pinellas County Jail
- Milton Ayala-Sierra, 25, deported to Colombia
- Jason Alexander Higuera-Ruiz, 41, whereabouts unknown
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