TAMPA, Fla. – A multi-city investigation into the theft of high-value collectibles concluded this week with the arrest of two men linked to a series of retail crimes in the Tampa Bay area. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation on March 17, 2026, following reports that a rare Pokémon card had been stolen from a local hobby shop.
The missing card, a “Mega Gengar ex 284/217,” was taken after two men entered the business and utilized a distraction technique. Authorities report that while one man occupied the store clerk’s attention, the other accessed a display case and removed the item.
Both individuals then fled the premises with the card. Detectives later determined that the same pair was responsible for a similar theft earlier in the month at a downtown St. Petersburg storefront.
The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Joseph Roque and 26-year-old Enrique Saucedo. Roque was the first to be taken into custody, with his arrest occurring on March 20, 2026.
READ: Undercover Sting Hits Hillsborough County: Three Arrested In Major Drug Bust
As the investigation into the stolen property expanded, detectives discovered that Saucedo was also wanted on an outstanding warrant from the Tampa Police Department for charges involving kidnapping, false imprisonment, and domestic violence battery in a separate, unrelated case.
On the same day as Roque’s arrest, law enforcement tracked Saucedo to a residence in Tampa. When detectives moved in to conduct surveillance, Saucedo attempted to avoid detection by retreating into the home.
However, he was quickly apprehended without further incident. Both men are now facing grand theft charges specifically related to the stolen Pokémon card.
“Retail theft has a direct impact on our local businesses and the safety of our community. Our Organized Retail Theft detectives take these cases seriously and work diligently to identify those responsible,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister following the arrests. “We will hold anyone who targets businesses in our community accountable. We remain committed to protecting our business community and ensuring those responsible face consequences.”
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