4 Arrested In Tampa Bay Retail Theft Operation, Hillsborough Sheriff Says

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Four people have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation targeting businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Tuesday.

The investigation began after HCSO's Organized Retail Theft Unit identified a group accused of stealing merchandise from multiple retailers between June 1 and July 1.

The suspects would conceal merchandise, leave stores without paying, and take the stolen goods to a residence, where they were resold, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities obtained arrest warrants for Adonys Diaz Suarez, 37; Ariel Serrano Suarez, 40; and Diosvelys Morales Torres, 34. Each was charged with conspiracy to engage in racketeering, organized retail theft and six counts of dealing in stolen property, according to HCSO.

Investigators also identified a home in the 6900 block of North Thatcher Avenue as an alleged fencing operation.

HCSO said Armando Quintana, 49, purchased stolen merchandise from the other suspects and resold it online and directly to customers.

Detectives arrested Quintana at the home on July 9 and served a court-authorized search warrant.

They recovered nearly $300,000 worth of merchandise that investigators said had been stolen, including liquor from Sam's Club and Walmart, clothing from Lululemon and Victoria's Secret, and high-end fragrances from multiple retailers, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives also found about 60 grams of cocaine, 39 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun, a rifle and more than $3,500 in cash.

Quintana faces charges including trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to engage in racketeering, six counts of dealing in stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

State prosecutors filed additional charges, including conspiracy to engage in racketeering, after reviewing the case with HCSO detectives.

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