Five young illegal aliens, tied to a notorious Venezuelan gang, now face justice for a brazen theft spree targeting Florida’s liquor stores. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced their arrests, exposing a criminal operation that preyed on hardworking Americans.
Breitbart reported that the suspects, dubbed the “Scotch Bandits,” lived lavishly while allegedly stealing thousands in high-end spirits. The arrests followed a string of organized retail thefts across Central Florida, with the suspects allegedly part of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Sheriff Judd revealed that the group, operating as the “Scotch Bandits,” hit stores like Publix, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. Their crimes culminated in a dramatic incident at a Lakeland Sam’s Club in March 2025.
Investigators began tracking the gang in fall 2024 after reports of stolen high-end liquor surfaced. The suspects, all in their twenties, were identified as Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, Alexis Jose Rodriguez-Benavides, Darwins Smith Vasquez-Leon, Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, and Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charlie. They now face charges of organized retail theft and robbery.
Polk County authorities documented 32 theft and robbery cases linked to the group. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation targeting valuable liquor, which the suspects allegedly resold for profit. Sheriff Judd emphasized the impact on local businesses and communities.
The pivotal incident occurred at a Sam’s Club in Lakeland, where the suspects attempted to steal $3,200 worth of liquor.
A female worker bravely tried to stop them as they fled with a loaded shopping cart. She was injured in the confrontation, highlighting the gang’s reckless disregard for others.
During their escape, the suspects crashed their getaway car in the store’s parking lot. They abandoned the vehicle and fled in an Uber, leaving behind stolen liquor, cellphones, and a passport. These items provided critical leads for law enforcement to track them down.
Photos obtained by the Daily Mail showed the suspects living extravagantly. They were seen partying, flaunting high-end Buchanan Scotch whisky, and relaxing on beaches. The images painted a stark contrast to the harm they inflicted on local businesses.
Sheriff Judd displayed the suspects’ booking photos during a press conference. “Some of them are smiling,” he noted, pointing out their apparent lack of remorse. The photos underscored the audacity of the alleged criminals.
One suspect, Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, was photographed crying during a police interrogation. Sheriff Judd remarked, “It’s not such a happy time,” highlighting the suspect’s emotional breakdown. The image captured the consequences of their alleged crimes catching up with them.
Judd did not mince words about the group’s fate. “Life as he knew it is over,” he said of Carpintero-Luna, questioning why the suspect was crying. He suggested it might be because the suspect could no longer “steal from Americans” or “rob people in the middle of the night.”
The sheriff outlined the severe repercussions awaiting the suspects. He expressed hope that they would face racketeering charges and lengthy state prison sentences. Judd emphasized the importance of holding such criminals accountable.
After serving their sentences, Judd called for the suspects’ deportation. “I hope he has his traveling clothes on,” he said, referring to Carpintero-Luna and his companions. The statement reflected a commitment to protecting American communities from foreign criminal networks.
The arrests have sparked outrage among Central Florida residents. Local businesses, already strained by economic challenges, suffered significant losses due to the thefts. The community now looks to the justice system for resolution.
Sheriff Judd’s decisive action has been praised by those who value law and order. His press conference sent a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The case underscores the need for vigilance against organized crime.