Two Cuban nationals, Raydel Amado Gines Prieto and Erisniel Melgarejo Rodríguez, have been detained after allegedly stealing goods valued at more than $370,000 from retail stores across multiple counties in western Florida, authorities announced on Tuesday.
Gines Prieto, aged 52, and Melgarejo Rodríguez, aged 36, both residing in St. Petersburg, are accused of carrying out over 150 thefts at retail locations. They each face two charges of organized retail theft, according to a statement by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The FDLE's Organized Retail Crime Squad commenced an investigation in December 2023, triggered by reports from asset protection representatives of a major retail company—whose identity was kept confidential—alleging thefts at DIY stores in western Florida counties.
The investigation unveiled that the suspects employed various tactics to pilfer goods, including under-scanning items at self-checkouts, executing fraudulent returns, and exiting stores with carts brimming with unpaid merchandise.
Authorities identified Gines Prieto and Melgarejo Rodríguez as the culprits behind the thefts, which resulted in a financial loss exceeding $370,000 in stolen goods.
Subsequent findings linked the duo to more than 150 store burglaries since August 2023.
On March 2, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office apprehended Melgarejo Rodríguez under an FDLE warrant, leading to his transfer to the county jail. When the warrant for Gines Prieto was served, he was already in custody for unrelated charges, the report clarified.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the State Attorney General's office spearheading the case. “Both individuals are now behind bars, and Attorney General James Uthmeier's prosecution team will ensure they are held accountable,” the FDLE stated on social media platform X.
Key Details on the Florida Retail Theft Case
What methods did the suspects use to steal merchandise?
The suspects used various methods such as under-scanning items at self-checkouts, conducting fraudulent returns, and leaving stores with carts full of unpaid products.
How many thefts are Gines Prieto and Melgarejo Rodríguez linked to?
They are connected to over 150 thefts at retail stores since August 2023.
Who is handling the prosecution of this case?
The State Attorney General's office, led by Attorney General James Uthmeier, is in charge of the prosecution.