Florida man arrested for stealing $1.6 million worth of liquor, deputies say

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GIBSONTON, Fla. - A Florida man has been arrested after he stole $1.6 million worth of liquor using at least two semi-trailers, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Miguel Angel Artiles Rivas, 33, was arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft as a result of the alleged thefts that were reported this summer. Deputies are also searching for other suspects involved in the case, including a woman named Ruth Melly Cardero, 54, who now has a warrant out for her arrest.

Between July 7-10, 2023, a group of people entered a liquor distribution center in Gibsonton and removed about $1.6 million worth of liquor from the warehouse using at least two semi-trailers, deputies said.

Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Gibsonton is located about 10 miles southeast of Tampa.

Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Detectives were able to piece together the whereabouts of the liquor, tracking the load to South Florida after it was taken from the warehouse. A Kenworth semi-cab, two Wabash trailers and a Kia Stinger were seized amid the investigation. A storage facility in Hialeah was also discovered, and nearly all the liquor was recovered and returned to its owner.

Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

About $100,000 of liquor remains unaccounted for, deputies said.

"I commend our dedicated detectives for their tireless efforts in swiftly apprehending the individual responsible for this audacious million-dollar liquor theft," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "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."