- $1.6 million worth of liquor was ‘removed’ from an alcohol distribution center in Florida
- One thief arrested for smuggling, but at least one remains ‘wanted’
- Miguel Angel Artles Rivas, 33, is charged with theft and burglary
A group of thieves smuggled $1.6 million worth of alcohol from a local warehouse in semi-trucks.
A liquor robbery in Florida in July involved at least two thieves; one has now been arrested and the other suspect is still ‘wanted’.
Miguel Angel Artles Rivas, 33, was arrested by officers as a suspect in the case and is now charged with theft of $100,000 or more and burglary of more than $1,000.
The thieves went to a liquor warehouse in Gibsonton, Florida, between July 7 and 10 and removed $1.6 million worth of alcohol by loading it into at least two semi-trailers, according to an HCSO news release.
The targeted distribution center stocked popular beverage brands, including Jose Cuervo and Malibu.
At least two thieves were involved in a liquor robbery in Florida in July; one has now been arrested and the other suspect is still ‘wanted’
Miguel Angel Artles Rivas, 33, was arrested for theft and burglary (left), Ruth Melly Cardero, 54, is another suspect – but has not yet been found (right)
The thieves went to a liquor warehouse in Gibsonton, Florida, between July 7 and 10 and removed $1.6 million worth of alcohol by loading it into at least two semi-trailers, according to an HCSO news release.
On July 8 between 4:10 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the group took 4,277 cases of the company’s liquor, which was later determined to cost more than $1.6 million.
The criminals smuggled the massive liquor supply into South Florida after taking the alcohol from the distribution center.
Investigators managed to seize a Kenworth semi-taxi, two Wabash trailers and a Kia Stinger – the vehicles used to transport the stolen goods.
The liquor was hidden in a storage facility in Hialeah, Florida, until investigators tracked down the stash and were able to return it to its owner.
Detectives have also issued an arrest warrant for Ruth Melly Cardero, 54, for her involvement in the theft, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The whereabouts of Rivas’ alleged accomplice are still unknown and officers are attempting to arrest her.
A search warrant obtained by CNN revealed that during their crime, the thieves removed video equipment that the distribution center had installed for security purposes.
The search warrant was issued for an Apple iPhone 14 Pro, which police said contained “specific information, technical data and evidence” to prove the burglary and grand theft occurred.
On July 8 between 4:10 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the group took 4,277 cases of the company’s liquor, which would later cost more than $1.6 million
Investigators managed to seize a Kenworth semi-taxi, two Wabash trailers and a Kia Stinger – the vehicles used to transport the stolen goods
Republic National Distributing Company – the center that was targeted – is the second largest distributor of alcoholic beverages and premium wines and spirits in the US, with operations in 38 states. The company’s revenue was $11 billion in 2019.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “I commend our dedicated detectives for their tireless efforts to quickly apprehend the individual responsible for this audacious $1 million liquor theft.
“The recovery of more than $1.5 million in stolen liquor is a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice.
“As the investigation continues, we expect further arrests so we can ensure all parties involved are brought to justice. ‘