Following hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida, 41 out of 45 looters arrested were found to be illegal immigrants. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office also revealed that 196 individuals were questioned but had to be released due to lack of probable cause, with 163 of them found to be in the US illegally. The looters were charged with armed robbery, burglary, loitering, grand theft, vandalism, and trespassing. The Sheriff, Bob Gualtieri, stated that many of the looters were there to steal others’ properties, and their efforts prevented further crimes. In order to protect the community, 80 additional deputies were deployed to areas where residents were ordered to evacuate.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused millions of dollars in damage and claimed the lives of more than a dozen people in Pinellas County. In response, the Sheriff’s Office is continuing patrols and arresting individuals who are stealing from vulnerable victims impacted by the storms. Despite the devastation caused by the hurricanes, efforts are being made to keep the community safe and protect residents and businesses trying to rebuild and move on. In addition to the looters, 58 individuals were charged with scamming hurricane victims out of $250 million for repairs they never did, although it is unclear if any of them were migrants.
Sheriff Gualtieri emphasized the importance of protecting the community not only during the hurricanes’ direct impact but also during the recovery period. The Sheriff’s Office is focused on safeguarding residents and businesses as they attempt to rebuild and resume their daily lives. The efforts to prevent crimes and support hurricane victims are ongoing, with patrols and arrests being made to ensure the safety and security of the community. The massive storms have had a significant impact on the area, and law enforcement is working diligently to address the challenges faced by residents in the aftermath of the disasters.
The hurricanes have left a lasting impact on Pinellas County, with many individuals struggling to recover from the devastation caused by Helene and Milton. The Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant in protecting the community and preventing further crimes, particularly in areas where residents have been displaced or ordered to evacuate. Illegal immigrants found to be involved in looting and other criminal activities are being arrested, and efforts are being made to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The safety and security of residents remain a top priority for law enforcement in the wake of the hurricanes.
The looters arrested following hurricanes Helene and Milton highlight the vulnerability of communities impacted by natural disasters and the importance of law enforcement in maintaining order and preventing crimes. The Sheriff’s Office’s actions in apprehending illegal immigrants involved in looting demonstrate a commitment to protecting the community and safeguarding residents from further harm. As recovery efforts continue in the wake of the hurricanes, the focus remains on supporting those affected and rebuilding the community. Law enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of residents as they work to overcome the challenges posed by the storms and move forward with their lives.
