HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A sophisticated criminal network that treated retail theft like a corporate enterprise has been dismantled by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Dubbed “Operation D-Fence,” the investigation culminated on May 4, 2026, with the arrest of 14 individuals and the seizure of an estimated $5 million in stolen merchandise.
The crackdown targeted a high-level “fencing” operation—a system where stolen goods are bought and then resold to unsuspecting buyers. This particular ring specialized in high-demand construction materials, tools, and home appliances, moving products across Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The investigation began in November 2025 after a tip about a local fencing location. As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered a logistical web that functioned with surprising precision. The group didn’t just shoplift; they utilized a variety of tactics including using fraudulent invoices to underpay for goods, returning stolen items for cash, and cutting locks on storage containers at active construction sites.
At the center of the web sat 55-year-old Hoover Rengifo. Authorities identified a residence in Lutz, Florida, as the central hub where stolen property was funneled. From that headquarters, Rengifo and a team that included several family members allegedly managed the storage, transportation, and eventual resale of the goods through online marketplaces…