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Florida Authorities Arrest 5 Alleged Tren de Aragua Members in Retail Theft and Robbery Case

The suspects, all undocumented Venezuelan nationals, face organized theft and robbery charges, with investigators pursuing federal racketeering counts.

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(Left to right) Alexis Rodriguez-Benavides, Samuel Anthony-Charle, Darwins Vasquez-Leon, Iledemaro Escalona-Mendoza and Ramon Carpintero-Luna face charges for a string of robberies across eight counties, the Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Friday, April 18, 2025. Rodriguez-Benavides and Anthony-Charle are further alleged to be members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, while the others are said to be associates. (Osceola County Corrections Department)
Alleged Tren de Aragua gang member sobs while in police custody.

Overview

  • Five Venezuelan nationals tied to the Tren de Aragua gang were arrested in connection with retail thefts and an armed robbery across Central Florida.
  • The investigation began in October 2024 after reports of liquor thefts at Publix, later expanding to include thefts at Walmart and Sam's Club stores.
  • Authorities recovered stolen liquor, cellphones, and a passport from an abandoned getaway car after a failed heist in Lakeland last month.
  • Two suspects were already in custody for a March armed robbery in Kissimmee, where one allegedly brandished a gun and stole cash and credit cards.
  • Law enforcement is working to add federal racketeering charges, with the Department of Homeland Security monitoring the case due to the suspects' immigration status.