A group of individuals believed to be part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was apprehended by Florida authorities for their involvement in a series of retail thefts. One of the suspects was particularly emotional, seen shedding tears during questioning with law enforcement.
The individuals identified as Alexis Jose Rodriguez-Benavides, Darwins Smith Vasquez-Leon, Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, and Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charlie are currently charged with organized retail theft and robbery. There are also efforts underway to bring additional racketeering charges against them, as reported by Fox 13.
The five suspects are all in the U.S. without authorization.
At a press briefing, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared a photo capturing Carpintero-Luna in a moment of apparent distress while being interrogated by investigators.
The incident that helped investigators bust the suspects happened last month at a Sam’s Club in Lakeland. (Getty Images)
“I can tell you that this violent gang was alive and well in Central Florida,” Judd said at the news conference, referring to Tren de Aragua.
The sheriff said the suspects face enhanced charges due to their immigration status, as he railed against people he described as “criminal illegal aliens.”
“They are tormenting and terrorizing and stealing and robbing and murdering people,” Judd said.
