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, according to local law enforcement officials. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri reported that looting patrols in the county have apprehended 45 suspects on various charges, such as armed robbery, burglary, grand theft, and vandalism.
Additionally, another 58 suspects were arrested in an operation targeting unlicensed contractors who were allegedly scamming victims out of $250 million for repairs they never intended to complete. Sheriff Gualtieri emphasized that these individuals were taking advantage of vulnerable victims who were trying to rebuild their lives after the devastating hurricanes.
During a press conference, Sheriff Gualtieri shared that the majority of the suspects arrested were illegal immigrants from South America or Central America. He highlighted that many of those involved in the contracting scams were unqualified and unlicensed to perform the work they were hired for, with some even impersonating legitimate contracting companies.
In total, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested more than 100 individuals who were exploiting victims of the hurricanes. Sheriff Gualtieri expressed concern over the influx of people from outside the area who were targeting vulnerable individuals and engaging in criminal activities.
While the law enforcement officers were able to arrest a significant number of suspects, there were still 196 individuals who were found in beach neighborhoods where they did not belong. Of those, 163 were identified as illegal immigrants. Sheriff Gualtieri stated that efforts to protect the community would continue, with extra patrols on the barrier islands to prevent further looting and exploitation of hurricane victims.
The sheriff emphasized that the ongoing patrols were essential to safeguard residents and businesses as they worked to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the hurricanes. He noted that the individuals arrested during the operation had extensive criminal records, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance to protect the community.
Moving forward, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining a strong law enforcement presence to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety and security of residents and businesses in the area. By remaining vigilant and proactive, law enforcement aims to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable victims and uphold the rule of law in the community.