After months of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated enforcement across six jurisdictions and two states, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has announced the takedown of an organized theft ring that targeted the critical computer systems of semi-trucks, victimizing 93 people and causing $750,000 in thefts and damages.
The investigation began in May 2025 after detectives with our Organized Crime Task Force noticed a pattern of thefts involving Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) from Freightliner semi-trucks parked in short-term storage lots. ECMs are considered the "brain" of a truck; without them, the vehicles are completely inoperable.
Detectives quickly suspected the thefts were part of a larger criminal enterprise, which was confirmed when the Lee County Sheriff's Office provided critical leads.
With support from the Office of Statewide Prosecution, 25 search warrants and investigative subpoenas were obtained. Surveillance operations revealed that the suspects were based in Miami and Palm Beach counties and carried out over $400,000 in ECM thefts. Additionally, their actions caused another $370,000 in damages by prying open engine compartments and cutting wiring harnesses to remove the ECMs.
With assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and Miami-Dade Police Department, all four suspects were identified and arrested, ending their multi-jurisdictional crime spree.
All are Cuban nationals who are believed to be in the U.S. without legal status:
Geosvany Figuerdo-Gonzalez, 27, is facing the following charges:
•Conspiracy to engage in racketeering
•28 counts - grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000)
•28 counts - burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines)
•Criminal mischief $1,000 or more
Orlando Martínez-Dorta, 27, is facing the following charges:
•Conspiracy to engage in racketeering
•9 counts - grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000)
•9 counts - burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines)
•Criminal mischief $1,000 or more
Brian Sanchez-Perez, 28, faces the following charges:
•Conspiracy to engage in racketeering
•28 counts - grand theft 3rd degree ($10,000-$20,000)
•28 counts - burglary of unoccupied conveyance (travel across county lines)
•Criminal mischief $1,000 or more
Liovel Urra-Penate, 28, has been charged with:
• Conspiracy to Engage in Racketeering
"This wasn't petty theft; this was a calculated criminal enterprise targeting people who help keep our economy moving. These suspects crippled hardworking truck drivers by stealing the technology that powers their livelihoods," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the relentless work of our Organized Crime Task Force and our law enforcement partners, we've shut down this operation and sent a clear message: if you cross into Hillsborough County to commit a crime, we'll cross every line to stop you."
For a link to our news conference held by Sheriff Chad Chronister joined by Attorney General James Uthmeier click HERE.
