TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) held a press conference on Wednesday morning to provide details on a retail theft and bootlegging investigation.
HCSO said the “Operation D-Fence” investigation spanned multiple states and uncovered a criminal enterprise responsible for moving millions of dollars in stolen merchandise through Hillsborough County and elsewhere.
WATCH: Florida AG, Hillsborough deputies seize $5 million in stolen merchandise
Officials said the investigation, which began in November 2025, led to the arrest of 14 people and HCSO seized an estimated $5 million worth of stolen merchandise, approximately $220,000 in U.S. currency and seven vehicles connected to the enterprise.
According to HCSO, the group used several methods to steal merchandise from retailers, including The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as from construction sites.
The group then sold the merchandise from a residence in Lutz, which officials identified as the central hub of the operation, or through online marketplaces.
"You can see how organized it was almost set up like a hardware store like a Home Depot or a Lowe's," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
HCSO said 55-year-old Hoover Rengifo was identified as the person at the center of the operation. The report said Rengifo worked alongside multiple people, who are facing charges including racketeering, trafficking in stolen property, money laundering and grand theft.
"It was even a family-run business. His wife, his two sons, his nephew were at the at the nucleus of this criminal enterprise," Chronister said.
Authorities said four of the fourteen people arrested were here illegally.
The Attorney General issued a blunt message.
"In Florida we continue to throw the book at offenders. We continue to prosecute to the fullest with the highest charges we can bring," said Uthmeier.
The press conference began at 9 a.m. on May 13 at the Falkenburg Road Jail in Tampa.
Tampa Bay 28 was at the event and streamed it live on the website and Facebook.
Watch the press conference below:
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