More than 100 individuals were arrested in Florida for looting and scamming victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, with at least 41 of the suspects being illegal immigrants. Looting patrols in Pinellas County apprehended 45 suspects on charges including armed robbery, burglary, grand theft, vandalism, and trespassing. Additionally, another 58 suspects were arrested for allegedly scamming victims as unlicensed contractors, bilking them out of a total of $250 million for repairs that were never completed. These individuals took advantage of vulnerable victims in the aftermath of the hurricanes.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri expressed outrage at the exploitation of hurricane victims by these criminals, describing their actions as despicable. Many of those arrested were found to be from South America or Central America, highlighting the issue of illegal immigration in the area. The sheriff emphasized that the suspects were preying on people who were already struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by the hurricanes. The suspects arrested in the contracting scams were found to have no intention of doing the work they were hired for, with one even going as far as impersonating a legitimate contracting company.
Gualtieri revealed that his office had encountered 196 individuals in beach neighborhoods who did not belong there, with 163 of them being confirmed as illegal immigrants. While officers did not have probable cause to arrest all of them, they made contact and instructed them to leave the area. The sheriff described the situation as unprecedented, with a large influx of individuals coming from out of the area to steal and target vulnerable individuals. Most of those arrested during the operation had extensive criminal records, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior.
In response to the looting and scamming, the sheriff’s office has deployed additional deputies to patrol the barrier islands to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering. Gualtieri stated that their efforts to protect the community will continue, especially as residents and businesses are working to rebuild in the wake of the hurricanes. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of those affected by the storms and to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable victims. The sheriff emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance and enforcement to deter criminal activity in the area.
The arrests in Florida highlight the need for increased law enforcement presence and measures to combat looting and scamming in the aftermath of natural disasters. The targeting of vulnerable victims by criminals, including illegal immigrants, is a serious issue that requires swift and decisive action to protect the community. Gualtieri stressed the commitment of the sheriff’s office to continue patrolling the barrier islands and arresting those who seek to take advantage of individuals in need. By maintaining a strong presence and holding offenders accountable, law enforcement aims to prevent further victimization and ensure the safety and security of residents and businesses in the area.
