Juan Perez-Gonzalez, a 51-year-old Cuban national residing in Florida, has been sentenced to 13.5 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale cargo theft conspiracy that spanned multiple states. Five other individuals involved in the scheme also received sentences ranging from time served to nearly eight years, and were ordered to pay restitution totaling millions of dollars.
According to court documents, between November 2021 and May 2023, Perez-Gonzalez and his co-conspirators targeted tractor-trailers carrying high-end electronics and other goods. The group surveilled distribution facilities operated by companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and L Brands in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. They followed departing trucks and stole them when drivers stopped for breaks or fuel.
After stealing the vehicles, the conspirators often abandoned the original tractors nearby and attached the trailers to their own trucks. To avoid detection by law enforcement, they altered identifying features on the stolen trailers by painting over logos and using different license plates.
The stolen goods were transported to Miami, Florida, where they were sold at reduced prices. The operation resulted in at least 14 separate thefts with losses including over $2 million worth of Oculus virtual reality headsets from Meta’s facility, $940,000 in Microsoft products, $1 million in Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret merchandise, $669,000 in Harmon-JBL audio equipment, $180,000 in Logitech products, and $480,000 worth of Bose speakers.
Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana stated: “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. 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.”
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley commented: “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. 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 investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from agencies including Kentucky State Police, Indiana State Police, and Florida Highway Patrol. Sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Rinka and Matthew Barloh prosecuted the case.
