Six people have received sentences for taking part in a scheme that targeted loaded tractor trailers while 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 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 said 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 in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. After conducting surveillance, the defendants followed departing semi trucks carrying commercially available, high-end electronics and other merchandise and waited until drivers parked to rest or refuel. The group then stole the tractor trailers.
“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 taking the trucks and trailers, the group transported the cargo to Miami, Florida, where it was resold for far 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Kentucky State Police, Indiana State Police, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
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