41 Illegal Immigrants Arrested for Looting in Florida Post-Hurricanes

Pinellas County Sheriff reports arrests during looting patrols after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the area.

Pinellas County, Florida, saw 45 arrests for looting-related crimes after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with 41 of those arrested being illegal immigrants.
The suspects faced 68 charges, including armed robbery, burglary, and grand theft, according to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Nearly 200 individuals were questioned by deputies; 141 of them were identified as illegal immigrants but were not arrested due to lack of probable cause.
An additional 58 individuals were arrested for unlicensed contracting, accused of scamming hurricane victims out of $250 million.
Law enforcement continues patrols to prevent further exploitation of residents as the community works to rebuild.