Trucking Industry Targeted: Four Arrested in Multi-State ECM Theft Ring
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A multi-jurisdictional investigation spanning months and two states has culminated in the arrest of four individuals accused of operating an organized theft ring that targeted critical computer systems in the trucking industry.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the takedown today in a press conference led by Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was joined by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The sophisticated operation resulted in 93 victims and an estimated $750,000 in thefts and damages across Florida, from Lee County to Duval County. Sheriff Chronister emphasized the collaborative effort with local law enforcement agencies and, notably, the vital support from Attorney General Uthmeier and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
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“Four individuals, four individuals responsible for an intense crime spree, an organized crime spree that resulted in 93 victims and more than $750,000 in theft and damages,” stated Sheriff Chronister. “This is amazing work by our detectives and highlights how important it is to nurture those relationships with local law enforcement offices throughout the entire state. But this doesn’t happen without Attorney General Uthmeier and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. General Uthmeier, thank you for your leadership and your assistance, not just on this case, but so many others that allows us to pursue justice for victims.”
The investigation began in May when a detective from the HCSO’s organized crime task force observed a case involving an individual breaking into and damaging the engine compartment of a Freightliner tractor to steal its Electronic Control Module (ECM). ECMs are vital computers for these complex vehicles, essential for transporting goods across the country.
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The theft ring primarily targeted tractor-trailers parked at short-term lots where operators take downtime. The suspects would break into these secured facilities, damage the engine compartment to quickly extract the ECMs, and flee.
Sheriff Chronister highlighted the extensive damage caused during these rushed thefts, noting that the suspects were not “surgeons” but individuals intent on a quick getaway, causing significant collateral damage to other engine components.
The removal of these ECMs rendered the tractors inoperable, leading to substantial financial losses for the tractor-trailer owners and operators.
“Think about the unrealized gains, the financial loss, the potential earnings,” Chronister lamented. “They don’t get paid if they’re not driving and transporting goods. I shudder to think about the value of the money that they’ve lost, that their family suffered that income because of these four individuals.”
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Detectives worked closely with Lee County, which had similar cases, and then escalated the investigation to the Office of Statewide Prosecution. Attorney General Uthmeier’s office was crucial, providing support with 25 search warrants and subpoenas that secured the necessary evidence for arrests.
The four individuals apprehended in connection with the crime spree reside in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade areas. Sheriff Chronister extended his gratitude to the Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Offices for their assistance in the arrests.
All four arrested individuals are Cuban Nationals and lack legal status in the United States. Each has a criminal history, with some having more extensive records than others. Three of the four currently have immigration holds, with the fourth expected to have one soon.
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Investigators discovered a strong secondary market for stolen ECMs, which can sell for $3,000 to $10,000 each depending on the tractor model. The arrested individuals were part of a criminal enterprise that sold the stolen ECMs to a broker in Texas, who would then “wipe them clean” and resell them.
The Florida investigation has now been turned over to federal law enforcement partners to pursue the Texas-based broker and other individuals involved in the larger criminal network. Sheriff Chronister expressed confidence that additional charges and arrests are forthcoming.
“Job well done to you and the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office,” Sheriff Chronister concluded, addressing Attorney General Uthmeier. “Thank you for being so diligent. Thank you for being so supportive. It’s what allows us every single county throughout the entire State of Florida to keep our communities safe.”
Four Suspects Arrested
With assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Miami-Dade Police Department, all four suspects were identified and arrested, effectively ending their multi-jurisdictional crime spree.
“This wasn’t petty theft; this was a calculated criminal enterprise targeting people who help keep our economy moving. These suspects crippled hardworking truck drivers by stealing the technology that powers their livelihoods,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
All are Cuban nationals who are believed to be in the U.S. without legal status.
The arrested individuals and their charges are:
- Geosvany Figuerdo-Gonzalez, 27: Conspiracy to engage in racketeering, 28 counts of grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000), 28 counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines), and criminal mischief $1,000 or more.
- Orlando Martínez-Dorta, 27: Conspiracy to engage in racketeering, 9 counts of grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000), 9 counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines), and criminal mischief $1,000 or more.
- Brian Sanchez-Perez, 28: Conspiracy to engage in racketeering, 28 counts of grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000), 28 counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines), and criminal mischief $1,000 or more.
- Liovel Urra-Penate, 28: Conspiracy to Engage in Racketeering.
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