A Cuban delivery driver associated with Amazon has been apprehended in Miami-Dade on allegations of stealing packages meant for customers, casting a spotlight once again on contractor employees of the company in South Florida.
Andy Manuel García Machado, a 29-year-old residing in the southwestern part of the county, was taken into custody on Monday at the Amazon warehouse located at 13320 SW 132nd Ave., near Miami Executive Airport, as reported by Local 10.
The arrest report, cited by the media outlet, indicates that a loss prevention employee alerted authorities after noticing that since García Machado's hiring on November 19, several high-value items had been reported missing. The total amount of these allegedly stolen items is estimated at $1,757.
Among the items reportedly stolen were a PlayStation console, a solar panel, a Bluetooth speaker, a watch, an air purifier, and even a Snickers chocolate bar.
According to Local 10's report, when confronted by the loss prevention employee, García Machado admitted to marking the items as lost or delivered and keeping them instead of delivering them to their rightful owners. He later confessed to a sheriff that he took the items home to sell them privately for cash.
As of Tuesday morning, García Machado remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $2,500. Additionally, authorities confirmed that he is subject to an immigration hold, which could further complicate his legal situation.
In a statement to Local 10, an Amazon spokesperson declared the theft “unacceptable” and emphasized the company's zero-tolerance policy. The spokesperson also clarified that the arrested individual was not a direct employee of Amazon but rather of a delivery service partner.
Recent Incidents Involving Cuban Delivery Drivers
This incident follows other recent cases involving Cuban delivery drivers linked to Amazon contractors in Miami-Dade. In May, 32-year-old Adrián Barrera was arrested after being accused of stealing merchandise valued at approximately $45,000 and discarding the packaging in a Lowe’s parking lot. Barrera also faced charges related to methamphetamine possession.
In another case in December, Diego Alejandro Santana Caner, 25, was detained in Sweetwater accused of stealing around 20 packages, including electronic devices, and selling some of the items. Authorities also reported that he faced an alleged probation violation from a previous case.
The investigation into García Machado's case is ongoing as he remains in custody, awaiting the judicial proceedings.
Implications of Theft Allegations on Amazon Delivery Drivers
What led to Andy Manuel García Machado's arrest?
García Machado was arrested after a loss prevention employee reported the disappearance of high-value items, leading to an investigation that uncovered his theft and resale of packages.
How does Amazon respond to theft by delivery drivers?
Amazon maintains a zero-tolerance policy against theft and stresses that such actions are unacceptable, emphasizing their commitment to addressing these incidents.
What challenges does García Machado face beyond the theft charges?
In addition to theft charges, García Machado is also facing an immigration hold, which complicates his legal situation further.