Four individuals have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation targeting businesses across the greater Tampa Bay area.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Retail Theft Unit identified a group responsible for committing thefts at multiple retailers between June 1 and July 1, 2026. Detectives determined the suspects would hide merchandise and exit stores without paying before delivering the stolen items to a residence to be resold.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Adonys Diaz Suarez, Ariel Serrano Suarez and Diosvelys Morales Torres, who were identified as the individuals responsible for the thefts.
The three suspects were each charged with conspiracy to engage in racketeering, organized retail theft and six counts of dealing in stolen property.
During the investigation, HCSO said detectives identified a residence on North Thatcher Avenue as the location where the stolen merchandise was being held. Detectives determined Armando Quintana was purchasing the stolen merchandise from the suspects and reselling it online. An arrest warrant was obtained.
On the morning of July 9, detectives arrested Quintana at his residence and served a warrant at the home.
During the search, HCSO said detectives recovered about $300,000 worth of stolen items, including hard liquor from Sam's Club and Walmart, clothing from Lululemon and Victoria's Secret, and high-end fragrances from multiple retailers.
Detectives also found approximately 60 grams of cocaine, 39 grams of methamphetamine, one handgun, one rifle and more than $3,500.
Quintana was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to engage in racketeering, six counts of dealing in stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
"This case is a prime example of the sophisticated criminal enterprises our detectives are dismantling every day," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a press release. "Organized retail theft drives up costs for businesses and consumers while fueling other criminal activity in our community. Thanks to the relentless work of our Organized Retail Theft Unit and our partnerships with retailers, we've shut down a major fencing operation, recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, and taken dangerous drugs and firearms off our streets."
HCSO said detectives worked closely with the Office of Statewide Prosecution following the arrests to review the case and file additional charges, including conspiracy to engage in racketeering.
"Organized retail theft is a sophisticated criminal scheme that targets Florida retailers across multiple counties and drives up costs for consumers," said Attorney General James Uthmeier in a press release. "I commend the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and our Office of Statewide Prosecution for dismantling this multi-county operation and recovering nearly $300,000 in stolen merchandise. These defendants face serious charges, and my office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
The investigation remains active.