The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 14 people and seized an estimated $5 million worth of stolen merchandise after uncovering a large-scale organized retail theft and fencing operation spanning multiple states.
On May 4, 2026, HCSO’s Property Division Organized Retail Theft Unit served four search warrants, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals in connection with “Operation D-Fence.”
As part of the operation, detectives seized:
- Approximately $5 million in stolen goods
- Approximately $220,000 in U.S. currency
- Seven vehicles connected to the enterprise
“Fencing” refers to the illegal practice of knowingly purchasing stolen goods and reselling them for profit, serving as an intermediary between criminal activity and unsuspecting consumers in the marketplace.
While detectives worked to corroborate the information, they discovered something much larger: a coordinated network responsible for the theft, transportation, storage, and resale of stolen home improvement and construction materials for profit.
Detectives observed a consistent pattern. The group used several methods to steal merchandise from major retailers, including The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as from construction sites. Detectives discovered the suspects took products directly from stores without paying, 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 cut locks on storage containers located at construction sites.
The stolen property included appliances, tools, electrical supplies, construction materials, fixtures, and hardware.
The criminal enterprise spanned multiple states, with thefts occurring throughout Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Detectives identified a residence in Lutz as the central hub of the operation and tracked stolen merchandise from theft locations to distribution and storage sites. The items were then sold from the central hub or through online marketplaces.
Detectives identified more than 1,800 online sales transactions linked to the operation over the last year and estimated that $7 million in proceeds moved through the enterprise during that period.
Detectives identified Hoover Rengifo, 55, as the man at the center of the operation. Rengifo worked alongside multiple people, including family members, each playing a distinct role in the scheme. These individuals now face charges including racketeering, trafficking in stolen property, money laundering, and grand theft.
“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,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “If you are stealing, trafficking, or buying stolen property in Hillsborough County, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”
“Our Organized Retail Task Force brings law enforcement agencies together to get the maximum punishment for these criminal enterprises,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “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.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and any updates will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
