GIBSONTON, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a man accused of stealing more than $1 million of liquor – and now, deputies are searching for his alleged accomplice.
According to the agency, a group entered a liquor distribution center between July 7-10 in Gibsonton and took approximately $1.6 million worth of alcohol from the warehouse. They reportedly used at least two semi-trailers.
An investigation led detectives to figure out the thieves moved the liquor to South Florida.
Eventually, investigators seized a Kenworth semi-cab, two Wabash trailers and a Kia Stinger authorities say was used during the incident.
After this, the sheriff's office says it worked with Florida Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies to find a storage facility in Hialeah where the liquor was stored.
All in all, more than $1.5 million in liquor was recovered and returned to the distribution center.
"I commend our dedicated detectives for their tireless efforts in swiftly apprehending the individual responsible for this audacious million-dollar liquor theft,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “The recovery of over $1.5 million worth of stolen liquor is a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice.
"As the investigation unfolds, we anticipate further arrests, ensuring that all involved parties are brought to justice."
Miguel Angel Artiles Rivas, 33, was arrested for the crime. He's reportedly facing charges of burglary with more than $1,000.00 damage and grand theft of $100,000 or more.
Now, detectives issued an arrest warrant for 54-year-old Ruth Cardero in connection to the robbery.
Anyone who knows where she might be is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.