Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has brought to light a sophisticated criminal operation that has left a trail of burglaries and thefts across six Florida counties. This South American Theft Group (SATG), composed of individuals who entered the U.S. illegally, has reportedly stolen nearly $1.7 million worth of property, primarily targeting Asian-American business owners. As Judd revealed in a recent press conference, this group represents a growing issue linked to the U.S.’s border control challenges.

The Criminal Operation Unveiled

The Criminal Operation Unveiled
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Sheriff Judd detailed how the SATG meticulously planned their crimes, conducting extensive surveillance on their victims before striking. The group’s modus operandi included photographing restaurants, homes, and even alarm systems to ensure their heists went off without a hitch. According to Judd, these criminals were not mere opportunists but highly organized professionals who employed advanced tactics like Wi-Fi jammers to bypass security systems.

Targeting the American Dream

Targeting the American Dream
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A particularly troubling aspect of these crimes is the specific targeting of Asian-American business owners. Sheriff Judd suggested that these individuals were selected because of their success and perceived wealth. The sheriff expressed deep concern over this, noting that many of the victims or their families came to the U.S. legally in pursuit of the American Dream, only to be victimized by criminals who entered the country illegally.

A Complex Investigation

A Complex Investigation
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The investigation into this theft group was far from straightforward. Sheriff Judd was joined by FDLE Special Agent Brannon Sheely, who highlighted the challenges of tracking these criminals across multiple counties and jurisdictions. The group used multiple identities and was adept at evading law enforcement, making it difficult to tie them to specific crimes. The coordinated efforts of local sheriffs’ offices, the FDLE, and statewide prosecutors were crucial in bringing the case to a resolution.

The Open Border Crisis

The Open Border Crisis
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Sheriff Judd did not shy away from connecting these crimes to broader issues with the U.S. immigration system. He emphasized that these criminals exploited what he described as a “non-existent” immigration system, entering the country through the southern border and repeatedly evading capture and deportation. Judd criticized the federal government’s handling of immigration enforcement, arguing that the current policies allow criminals to enter and re-enter the U.S. with little fear of accountability.

The Suspects

The Suspects
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The group included four main suspects, all of whom are from Colombia and were living in the U.S. illegally. The suspects are:

  • Geraldine Galeano-Perez, 33: Arrested and held in Polk County Jail under a $5.6 million bond. Galeano-Perez has a long history of violent crime in Colombia and was caught and released multiple times after crossing the U.S. border.
  • Geiler Orobio-Cabezas, 36: Arrested and held in the Pinellas County Jail. He had previously been deported but re-entered the U.S. illegally.
  • Milton Ayala-Sierra, 25: Deported to Colombia after evading law enforcement multiple times, despite an ongoing investigation into his crimes in the U.S.
  • Jason Alexander Higuera-Ruiz, 41: Currently at large after cutting off his GPS tracking device.

A Failure of the System

A Failure of the System
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Sheriff Judd expressed frustration with how the federal immigration system handled these cases, particularly the failure to detain and deport these criminals effectively. He cited instances where ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) released suspects despite active investigations, allowing them to continue their criminal activities. Judd’s remarks highlight a critical debate about the effectiveness of U.S. immigration policies in preventing crime.

Impact on the Victims

Impact on the Victims
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The impact of these crimes on the victims has been devastating. Sheriff Judd mentioned that one of the businesses targeted by the group has been forced to close permanently due to the financial losses incurred. This case underscores the vulnerability of small business owners, particularly those who deal in cash and high-value goods, to organized criminal groups that exploit systemic weaknesses.

A Call for Action

A Call for Action
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Sheriff Judd and Special Agent Sheely both called for stronger enforcement of immigration laws and more resources to combat such organized crime groups. They emphasized that while local law enforcement can address these crimes within their jurisdictions, the root of the problem lies in the failure to secure the borders and enforce immigration laws effectively.

“Why Would They Respect Any of Our Other Laws?”

“Why Would They Respect Any of Our Other Laws”
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People in the comments shared their thoughts: “If you are here illegally and you get arrested for another crime there should be no bond”

Another commenter added: “Why would people who violate our immigration laws, Respect any of our other laws???”

One person said: “As an American Trucker, I am treated like a criminal, unbelievably regulated, while Columbian Criminals have more rights and resources than me. It’s unreal!”

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead
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As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are on high alert for similar crimes, and there is hope that the exposure of this case will lead to greater scrutiny and reform of the systems that allowed these criminals to operate so freely. Sheriff Judd’s warning to the public is clear: as long as the current immigration policies remain in place, the threat posed by such organized criminal groups will persist.

Additional Measures

Additional Measures
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What are your thoughts? What additional measures could be taken at the federal level to prevent organized crime groups from exploiting the immigration system? How can local communities better protect themselves from sophisticated criminal operations like the one exposed by Sheriff Judd? What role should the federal government play in supporting local law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border crime?

Explore the full insights by viewing the video on First Coast News’ YouTube channel here.