Six people have been sentenced for participating in a scheme to steal loaded tractor trailers when drivers stopped to rest, refuel, or park.

On Friday, January 16, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the sentencing of the following six individuals “for participating in a massive, multi-state cargo theft conspiracy.”

DEFENDANT	SENTENCE	RESTITUTION	CHARGE(S)
Juan D. Perez-Gonzalez, 51, FL	13.5 years	$1,165,193.00	Conspiracy; possession of goods stolen from interstate commerce; interstate transportation of stolen property
Carlos Enrique Freire-Pifferrer, 46,Louisville, KY	7 years, 11 months	$1,765,193.00	Conspiracy; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property
Jose Antonio Gomez-Pifferrer, 33,Louisville, KY	3 years, 1 month	$1,765,193.00	Conspiracy; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property
Richard Alameda, 47,FL	2 years, 10 months	$789,284.00	Conspiracy
Luis Velazquez, 58, Jacksonville, FL	2 years, 9 months	$1,329,674.00	Conspiracy; interstate transportation of stolen property
Dalwy De Armas-Rodriguez, 38,Louisville, KY	Time served		Conspiracy

Officials say that between November 2021 and May 2023, the co-conspirators traveled to distribution facilities used by national companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and L Brands located in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. After surveilling the facilities, the defendants followed departing semi trucks containing commercially available, high-end electronics and other items and waited until the truck drivers parked to rest or refuel. The group would then steal the tractor trailer.

“In many instances, the group abandoned the stolen tractor nearby and reattached the trailer to a different semi-tractor they operated. To evade law enforcement, they painted over logos and identifying numbers and used different license plates on the stolen trailers,” officials said.

After stealing the trucks and trailers, the cargo would be transported to Miami, Florida, where it would be resold for much less than retail value.

“The group carried out at least 14 separate cargo thefts, resulting in the theft of over $2 million in Oculus virtual reality headsets from a Meta facility, $940,000 in Microsoft products, $1 million in Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret merchandise, $669,000 in Harmon-JBL audio products, $180,000 in Logitech products, and $480,000 worth of Bose audio speakers, among other stolen items,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

“These thefts had real consequences for consumers and businesses, increasing costs and disrupting the flow of goods across the country. What this group attempted was a sweeping attack on the backbone of U.S. commerce, but it was ultimately dismantled through the unified work of federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Federal law enforcement has a far reach and unwavering resolve, and this case makes it clear that anyone who threatens the nation’s supply chain will be tracked down and held accountable.”

“This was a coordinated, multi-million-dollar criminal operation – not an opportunistic theft. Cargo theft schemes like this drive-up costs for businesses and consumers alike,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The sentences imposed reflect the seriousness of the crime and demonstrate that those who target supply chains for personal gain will face significant consequences.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kentucky State Police, Indiana State Police, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The post Six sentenced in multi-state scheme to steal at least 14 tractor trailers loaded with high-end goods appeared first on CDLLife.

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