Lourdes Rodriguez has been charged with organized retail theft after committing multiple thefts across Central and South Florida, resulting in approximately $15,000 in losses.
According to the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Rodriguez is the third person arrested in connection with a larger theft ring that caused over $100,000 in losses to businesses statewide.
Rodriguez’s theft spree spanned five counties, targeting major retailers such as Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, and various liquor stores. Investigators from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office determined that Rodriguez executed more than a dozen thefts across Brevard, Martin, Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Seminole counties.
READ: Lakeland Woman Arrested After Hit-And-Run Incident Damages Neighbor’s Fence
Authorities say Rodriguez would enter stores, conceal merchandise in a bag—either one she brought with her or one stolen from the business—and leave without paying.
Rodriguez is allegedly tied to an organized theft ring responsible for more than $100,000 in losses from over 50 businesses throughout Florida. She reportedly committed several thefts with another member of the group.
Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted the success of the investigation in dismantling the operation.
“Working with our law enforcement partners and our Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange Task Force, we dismantled a massive organized retail theft ring with a third arrest this week,” said Moody. “Criminal organizations be warned – in Florida, we have the tools and talent to investigate and take down your criminal enterprise, and you will pay for your crimes.”
READ: Kosovo Man Indicted In Florida For Running Dark Web Marketplace
Rodriguez faces two counts of felony organized retail theft and two counts of grand theft. She is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on multiple theft-related charges.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.