The Brief
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says five illegal immigrants are suspected in a string of liquor thefts and robberies.
- The suspects are believed to be members or associates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to Judd.
- All five suspects face enhanced charges due to their immigration status, with Judd citing a new Florida law when discussing enhancements.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Five illegal immigrants suspected of dozens of crimes in Central Florida as part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua face charges after a months-long investigation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Friday.
The backstory:
At a news conference, Judd said the investigation dates back to October 2024 when Publix noticed a trend of people stealing high-end liquor from stores in Central Florida.…