Four arrested for allegedly stealing campers meant for Hurricane Ian recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Four members of an alleged criminal theft ring were arrested Wednesday for allegedly stealing over $1 million worth of state property meant for disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Ian.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, beginning in March and ending in July, the group stole, sold, and delivered 19 RVs and campers, one trailer and two pieces of heavy equipment with an estimated value over $1 million. There were 16 of those RVs belonging to the State of Florida.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers from the Commercial Vehicle and Cargo Theft Task Force, along with Detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested four members of the theft ring Wednesday.

“The Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Task Force in coordination with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office have arrested several suspects responsible for stealing critical resources intended to assist Floridians during a state of emergency,” Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II said.

The investigation into the theft ring began in April after the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office connected the group of suspects to the theft of seven R.V.s and campers that belonged to the state for disaster relief to assist victims of Hurricane Ian, according to the department.

“Incidents such as this remind us that while many show their strength and character during times of crisis, there are also those who look for opportunities to exploit others in need,” Howze said.

According to the department, the theft ring would operate in the early morning or late evening hours to blend in with the typical delivery hours of R.V.s and Campers to displaced Floridians during the state of emergency following Hurricane Ian.

Once in possession of the stolen R.V.s or Campers, the department said members would begin word-of-mouth sales at significantly discounted cash-only prices, some claiming the low price was due to repairs the vehicle had undergone following hurricane damage.

Nine R.V.s and campers have been recovered and 11 remain stolen, along with the trailer and two pieces of heavy equipment, according to the department.

“I want to thank the Task Force, to include some of my own detectives, for their efforts in finding and arresting these individuals,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said.

“The collaboration between law enforcement agencies is critical to maintaining the safety in our area,” Prummell continued. “It’s part of what keeps Charlotte County the best place to live, work, and play. I hope that this operation encourages others to think twice before committing a crime in Charlotte County.”