MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Three men are facing charges in what state prosecutors describe as a multi-county organized retail theft scheme targeting hardware stores across Florida, including businesses in Martin and Palm Beach counties.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday that Johnny Batista, 19, Roberto Hernandez-Castro, 39, and Roberto Aldana Ferrera, 31, have been charged in connection with the alleged theft ring.
Authorities said the group targeted hardware stores, including Ferguson Waterworks, Grainger, Electric City, Sewell’s Hardware and other small businesses. According to investigators, the suspects carried out smash-and-grab burglaries, grabbing high-end tools, placing them into large bins and leaving without paying…