Collier and Charlotte-County Sheriffs Investigation Brings Down $2 Million Theft Ring

A Major Bust for Southwest Florida Law Enforcement

An interagency effort between the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has brought down a sprawling theft ring tied to more than $2 million in stolen property. Investigators say the group has been operating since 2021, targeting construction sites and businesses across 17 Florida jurisdictions.

This wasn’t a small-time operation. Detectives linked the ring to at least 45 felony cases involving stolen trailers, utility vehicles, and heavy construction equipment. Given the scale of the investigation, the Florida statewide prosecutor stepped in to take the lead on criminal charges.

Millions Stolen — But Half Recovered

Authorities estimate the group’s total haul surpassed $2 million. Fortunately, a large portion of that property has been recovered. Detectives have already secured approximately $1.1 million worth of stolen equipment, with ten of the recoveries seized directly from suspects’ possession or their properties.

The recovered property includes essential tools and vehicles used by contractors and businesses — equipment that represents lifelines for small business owners trying to keep projects on track.

A Playbook of Modern Policing

This takedown wasn’t just about luck. Detectives employed a layered strategy to map out the ring’s structure and connect cases across county lines. Tools included:

• Surveillance video analysis

• Forensic evidence collection

• Interrogations of suspects

• Phone search warrants

• Aerial reconnaissance

• Undercover officer operations

These efforts not only tied suspects to past crimes but also created probable cause for 12 additional cases that are now moving forward.

Statewide Coordination

Collier and Charlotte detectives coordinated with several other law enforcement agencies to pool resources, manpower, and intelligence. This unified approach made it possible to connect dots that might have gone unnoticed had agencies worked in silos.

The statewide prosecutor has already issued multiple warrants, leading to arrests in both May and August 2025. Charges range from conspiracy to commit grand theft to dealing in stolen property and multiple counts of grand theft auto.

Arrests Made — But Work Remains

So far, seven suspects have been arrested on local charges, with many more taken into custody through statewide warrants. While most of the key figures are behind bars, a handful remain at large. Detectives say those individuals are being actively pursued and it’s only a matter of time before they too are caught.

For local communities, this takedown delivers peace of mind. It also sends a clear signal: organized theft operations will not find safe harbor in Southwest Florida.

Why This Matters for Collier & Charlotte Residents

Construction theft is more than just a headline. It drives up costs for builders, slows projects, and impacts homeowners waiting on renovations or new builds. With nearly half of the stolen property already recovered, local businesses stand to regain not only equipment but also confidence in the security of their communities.