Two Miami men have been arrested after Collier County deputies found thousands of dollars worth of suspected stolen merchandise in their car.
Detectives say Carlos M. Garcia-Ajete, 40, and Nivaldo J. Garcia-Vento, 41, are believed to be members of an organized retail theft ring that has been stealing from major retailers across Florida.
“The theft spree stops here, thanks to the outstanding efforts of our hardworking deputies and detectives,” CCSO Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “These individuals will now be held accountable for their criminal actions, not only in Collier County but other jurisdictions as well.”
Curbing retail theft has long been a key element of Sheriff Rambosk’s community safety plan.
"Retail theft is a serious problem in Florida,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “It drives up the cost of goods and we all suffer through higher prices.”
CCSO says they received a tip that Garcia-Ajete and Garcia-Vento were suspects in a large-scale retail theft spree in Martin County and may be traveling to Collier County for similar thefts.
Around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies say they found a car matching the description that the duo was believed to be driving. The car was spotted leaving Walmart on Collier Boulevard.
Deputies say the driver, Garcia-Vento, ran a red light leading to a traffic stop.
CCSO says the passenger, Garcia-Ajete, ran out of the car during the stop but was caught after a short chase.
The pair told deputies they were coming from Fort Myers. Deputy say they reviewed security footage from Walmart which showed the two in the personal care section of the store, grabbing razors and hiding them.
The two left the store without paying, according to reports.
Garcia-Vento and Garcia-Ajete were arrested and taken to the Collier County Jail.
While searching the car, deputies say they found six trash bags filled with suspected stolen merchandise. The merchandise included:
- 400 sticks of deodorant
- Razor blades
- Razors
- Fishing gear
- Cosmetics and more
The total was believed to be nearly $5,000.
Garcia-Vento and Garcia-Ajete are facing multiple felony charges, including grand theft.
CCSO says this is an ongoing investigation.
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