More than 100 people, including at least 41 illegal immigrants, have been arrested in Florida for allegedly looting and scamming victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Looting patrols in Pinellas County over the last three weeks rounded up 45 suspects on a variety of charges that included armed robbery, burglary, loitering, grand theft, vandalism, and trespassing. Another 58 suspects were arrested in an operation targeting unlicensed contractors, who allegedly scammed victims by billing them a total of $250 million for repairs they never intended to do. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri expressed concern about the exploitation of vulnerable victims who are trying to rebuild their lives after the hurricanes.
The suspects arrested by anti-looting patrols were mostly from South America or Central America, with nearly all of them being illegal immigrants. These individuals were accused of going into homes, stealing belongings, and committing various crimes. In the contracting scams, the suspects offered to do projects such as plumbing, roofing, and electrical work, charging victims over $250 million for work they had no intention of completing. Gualtieri emphasized the need to protect the community, particularly as residents and businesses are trying to recover from the devastating impact of the hurricanes.
During the operation, law enforcement officers also made contact with 196 individuals who were in beach neighborhoods where they did not belong, with 163 of them being illegal immigrants. While officers did not have probable cause to arrest these individuals, they were instructed to leave the area. Gualtieri highlighted the unprecedented influx of people from outside the area who were targeting vulnerable victims and engaging in criminal activities. The sheriff’s office will continue to have extra deputies patrolling the barrier islands to prevent unauthorized individuals from being in the area.
Gualtieri noted that nearly all of those arrested during the three-week operation had extensive criminal records. He stressed the commitment to protecting residents and businesses that are working to rebuild and move forward after the hurricanes. The sheriff’s office will maintain patrols on the barrier islands to arrest anyone who is stealing from victims of the hurricanes. Gualtieri urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement in order to prevent further exploitation and criminal behavior.
The operation in Pinellas County has highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. The exploitation of victims by individuals engaging in looting and scamming schemes reflects a disturbing trend of preying on those in need. The involvement of a significant number of illegal immigrants in these criminal activities raises concerns about the impact on the community and the need for heightened security measures. By continuing to monitor and patrol the area, law enforcement aims to deter criminal behavior and protect residents from further victimization.
