More than a dozen people were arrested in Florida, accused of stealing an estimated $5 million in merchandise as part of a large-scale organized retail theft spanning multiple states, authorities announced May 13.
The 14 people, some of whom were related, stole items such as appliances, tools and electrical supplies from stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, according to the Hillsborough Couty Sheriff’s Office.
They used false invoices to obtain goods at lower prices, and, in some cases, returned stolen items for refunds before stealing the same products again. The group also is accused of cutting locks on storage containers located at construction sites.
Also seized during the arrests were $220,000 and seven vehicles.
“This was not a group of opportunistic thieves. This was a highly organized criminal enterprise operating across state lines, targeting businesses, and profiting off stolen goods at a massive scale,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.“If you are stealing, trafficking, or buying stolen property in Hillsborough County, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”
Details of Operation D-Fence, which resulted in 14 arrests in Florida
The arrests were in connection with what law enforcement dubbed Operation D-Fence.
The investigation began in November 2025 after a tip led detectives to a possible fencing location for stolen property. “Fencing” refers to knowingly purchasing stolen goods and reselling them for profit.
A residence in Lutz, Florida was identified as the central hub for the operations, however, thefts occurred throughout Florida, as well as in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Those arrested face charges including racketeering, trafficking in stolen property, money laundering and grand theft.
“Our Organized Retail Task Force brings law enforcement agencies together to get the maximum punishment for these criminal enterprises,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said. “Enterprises like this take millions of dollars in products off the shelves, and consumers foot the bill as retailers try to recover the costs. Thanks to interagency collaboration, we dismantled this crime ring from the top down, and we will hold them accountable.”Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 14 arrested after allegedly stealing $5 million from Florida stores
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
