A boat mechanic was taken into custody in northwest Miami-Dade after being linked to an alleged underground operation dismantling stolen vessels. The discovery was made possible by tracking an AirTag hidden in a stolen trailer from Sunrise. Héctor Rodríguez-Lafuentes, aged 53, was apprehended on Monday after a local marine business owner reported the theft of a trailer and three Mercury Verado 300 engines, valued at over $50,000. The stolen items were traced to a residence in the South River Drive area of northwest Miami-Dade.
Authorities have charged Rodríguez-Lafuentes with several offenses, including second and third-degree grand theft, possession of a boat without an identification number, and possession of engines with altered serial numbers. He remains in custody at the TGKCC correctional center, with some charges still holding him without bail due to an active warrant from outside the county.
The Uncovering of the Hidden Workshop
The case came to light when Peter Hogg, owner of Hurricane Yacht Sales, noticed the trailer missing after being alerted by an employee and reviewing security footage. A black truck had taken the trailer in the early hours, despite it being secured with three locks. "I went into panic mode," Hogg recounted to local media.
Thanks to an AirTag tracker he had discreetly magnetized and hidden on the trailer, Hogg was able to pinpoint its last location at an industrial park in Opa-locka. Following this lead, he discovered the property where police eventually intervened.
In the property's yard, officers found the three engines partially dismantled, alongside spark plugs, coils, and other scattered components. They also uncovered a boat lacking an identification number, a trailer reported stolen since 2023, and a camper with discrepancies, along with a large assortment of marine parts spread across the premises.
A Covert Dismantling Operation
Aerial footage released by NBC6 revealed at least four boats, metal containers, and various items seemingly connected to previous dismantling activities. "There were at least 30 disassembled units. This wasn't an isolated incident," Hogg stated, expressing his belief that Rodríguez-Lafuentes was not acting alone and might be part of a larger operation.
The suspect exercised his right to remain silent and refused to cooperate with law enforcement. The police continue to investigate potential links between this case and other marine engine thefts in South Florida.
Meanwhile, the affected business owner has vowed to bolster security measures: “I'm going to weld GPS trackers inside metal boxes on each trailer I have. I'm not taking any more chances.”
FAQs on Marine Equipment Theft in Miami-Dade
How was the stolen equipment in Miami-Dade located?
The stolen trailer and engines were located using an AirTag tracker that had been discreetly attached to the trailer. The tracker helped pinpoint the last known location, leading authorities to the suspect's property.
What charges is Héctor Rodríguez-Lafuentes facing?
Héctor Rodríguez-Lafuentes is facing several charges, including second and third-degree grand theft, possession of a boat without an identification number, and possession of engines with altered serial numbers.
What measures is the affected business owner taking to prevent future thefts?
The business owner plans to install GPS trackers inside metal boxes on each trailer to enhance security and deter future thefts.