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South American Theft Group Preys on Asian Business Owners in Six Florida Counties
A Burqa, a Jogger, and a Lawn Mower: How a Colombian Crew Got Away with $1.7 Million
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has seen his share of crime, but the recent case involving four illegal immigrants from Colombia takes things to another level. This well-organized group, he revealed, wasn’t just breaking into random homes—they were targeting hard-working Asian-American business owners in their homes and businesses across six Florida counties.
What started as a routine traffic stop in Polk County unraveled into a 17-month investigation into a South American Theft Group responsible for at least nine high-end residential burglaries, totaling a jaw-dropping $1.7 million in stolen property.
And yes, their disguises ranged from burqas to jogger outfits to lawn maintenance uniforms.
Meticulous Planning, Bold Execution
“These people do their due diligence,” said Sheriff Judd in a press conference, visibly frustrated. “They dress up, they surveil, and they target homes with precision.”
The crew wasn’t impulsive. They scouted their victims carefully—primarily Asian-American business owners—and conducted surveillance before hitting their homes. Their loot? Jewelry, designer bags, and cash, were all snatched without a trace.
“This isn’t just happening here in Polk County,” Judd emphasized, “This is a nationwide issue.”
Thanks to a multi-agency collaboration between Polk County detectives, neighboring counties, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Attorney General’s Office, the group was disrupted. However, the sheriff’s frustration only deepened when he learned some of the suspects were released by ICE before facing charges.
“They’re gone. And nobody knows where they are,” Judd vented, his hands clenched as he detailed the suspects’ evasive tactics. One suspect, Jason Alexander Higuera-Ruiz, had even cut off his GPS ankle monitor after being released.
A Criminal Network Exposed
According to the Sheriff’s office, the thieves operated across Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, and Collier counties. The total value of stolen goods from the nine known burglaries was an estimated $1.7 million.
And the suspects? All four were living illegally in Winter Garden, Florida.
The alleged ringleader, Geraldine Galeano-Perez, 33, faces an impressive rap sheet of charges in Polk County, including racketeering and grand theft. Her past criminal history in Colombia and New York includes everything from grand larceny to money laundering. Her bond? A hefty $5.6 million.
Another suspect, Milton Ayala-Sierra, was deported back to Colombia, but not before facing charges in Polk and Hillsborough counties. Two other members, Jason Alexander Higuera-Ruiz and Geiler Orobio-Cabezas, remain at large or are in custody facing similarly severe charges.
Attorney General Ashley Moody commented, “Thanks to the great investigative work of our law enforcement partners, these criminals will be held accountable.” But the frustration remains that some suspects have slipped through the cracks, leaving victims worried about further attacks.
“We’re Not Going to Let Them Get Away”
“This case isn’t closed,” Judd assured, though his frustration at the system was palpable. The sheriff urged federal authorities to enforce stricter immigration measures, pointing out the need for enhanced border security.
“Polk County and Florida are not alone in this,” Judd said. “South American theft groups are exploiting our loose border control and targeting our citizens. These people are professionals. They know exactly what they’re doing.”
Sheriff Judd’s passion is clear in his remarks, and his department remains committed to bringing every last suspect to justice. “We’re not going to let them get away with this. Not in Polk County, not in Florida.”
For now, business owners and residents are urged to remain vigilant, but thanks to the hard work of local law enforcement, a significant blow has been dealt to this dangerous ring.
Source: polksheriff.org
