In a surprising turn of events, two employees from the Port of Miami found themselves behind bars this week after being implicated in a theft at one of the nation's key logistical hubs. Unlike typical thefts involving pricey electronics, these workers targeted art pieces valued at $50,000, as reported by local authorities.
Those arrested have been named as Angel Junior Prudhomme, aged 27, and Tangela Denise Parks, aged 50. Both reside in Miami and served as custodians at the port. The duo was taken into custody on Wednesday after an investigation spearheaded by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO).
Launch of the Investigation
The investigation kicked off when port authorities alerted MDSO detectives about a suspected theft at Terminal G. According to arrest documents cited by local media, surveillance footage revealed port workers removing artworks, loading them into personal vehicles, and exiting the premises, as confirmed by an MDSO press release on Thursday.
Although the incident occurred on May 12, it wasn't officially reported until May 23 through the public corruption hotline. The Public Corruption Section of the MDSO took over the investigation, successfully identifying the suspects through video analysis.
The Heist Unfolds
Footage reviewed by investigators showed Prudhomme on May 12, taking artworks from Terminal G's walls and hiding them on a ladder within the port. He then placed the pieces, predominantly mosaics and marble works, into bins and garbage bags to avoid security cameras. The next day, the recordings captured Prudhomme loading the stolen art into Parks' vehicle, implicating her in the crime.
Damage and Recovery of Artworks
Authorities revealed that half of the 24 stolen pieces sustained damage during improper removal and transport. These damaged works were left within the port and later retrieved by the Port Maritime General Investigations Unit. The remaining pieces were discovered on Wednesday at Prudhomme's residence during a police operation.
Confessions and Legal Proceedings
Official reports state that both suspects confessed to their roles in the heist. Prudhomme admitted to stealing and taking the art to his home, while Parks acknowledged her assistance in removing and transporting the pieces out of the port. With the help of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, arrest warrants were issued. Both individuals were taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where they were held as of Thursday morning, with their bail amounts yet to be determined according to online jail records.
Official Statements
Rosie Cordero-Stutz, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff, issued a stern warning following the arrests: "As Miami-Dade County Sheriff, I take seriously those who exploit their employment to commit theft. I am dedicated to ensuring that anyone involved in dishonest actions is held accountable," she stated in a Thursday release.
Frequently Asked Questions about Art Theft at Miami Port
What was stolen from the Port of Miami?
Several art pieces, mostly mosaics and marble works valued at $50,000, were stolen from the Port of Miami.
How were the suspects identified?
The suspects were identified through surveillance footage that captured them removing artworks and loading them into their personal vehicles.
What actions were taken by the authorities?
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office led the investigation, resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen artworks.