Three Florida men have been charged for stealing millions of dollars worth of meat product across the Midwest, authorities say.
The arrests were made following a monthslong investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska and Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation began June 27 when the sheriff’s office was notified several semi-trailers with loads of frozen beef had been stolen in Nebraska, worth an estimated loss of $1 million. Further investigation with federal officials in Omaha revealed 45 additional thefts were made in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, totaling $9 million lost in stolen meat, authorities said in a statement.
Investigators later determined the “highly sophisticated organized criminal enterprise” was based out of Miami and targeting beef and pork packaging plants in the Midwest.
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On Oct. 20, authorities identified and arrested three people in Miami – 38-year-old Yoslany Leyva Del Sol, 37-year-old Ledier Machin Andino and 39-year-old Delvis L. Fuentes – in connection to the meat theft ring, charging them for the transportation of stolen goods and money laundering. While making the arrest, authorities said three tractor trailers with merchandise worth $550,000 were recovered.
A spokesperson from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office told USA TODAY no exact charge details have been released due to different terminology on charges in the states where the thefts took place.
“This investigation is ongoing and part of the HSI Omaha and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Task Force,” authorities announced.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.
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