A group of five men, linked to the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela, has been arrested in Florida for a string of liquor store robberies. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests on Thursday, revealing that the gang had allegedly stolen over $30,000 from more than three dozen liquor stores across central Florida.
Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, 26, was among those arrested. He reportedly broke down in tears during questioning after his arrest, pleading for his freedom. Sheriff Grady Judd shared this moment at a press conference, pointing out that Carpintero-Luna was not as tough when faced with the consequences of his actions.
The gang’s crime spree included a notable incident in early March when they raided a Sam’s Club in Lakeland, filling a shopping cart with 14 cases of liquor valued at around $3,200. They attempted to escape but collided with an employee who tried to stop them. After grabbing two cases, they fled in a silver Ford Focus. However, their getaway was short-lived as the vehicle broke down shortly after.
The suspects, all illegal immigrants who crossed the border, made no effort to find legitimate work, according to law enforcement. They were eventually apprehended after a series of investigations, with two of the gang members arrested earlier for a separate robbery.
The five men face serious charges, including first-degree felony robbery due to their gang affiliation. Authorities expect additional charges may follow. Their criminal backgrounds reveal a history of immigration violations, theft, drug possession, and violent crimes.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of deportation for these individuals, suggesting that their criminal activities should not go unchecked. He expressed concern over the impact of their actions on the community and noted that their criminal lifestyle has come to an end. The sheriff’s comments reflect a broader frustration with gang-related crime and illegal immigration in the region.