Statewide Rental Equipment Theft Ring Busted in Bradenton; Three Arrested, Fourth Suspect Sought
A statewide theft operation involving stolen rental equipment was dismantled in Bradenton after a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigation led to the arrest of three Miami-area residents and the identification of a fourth suspect who remains at large.
Detectives uncovered the scheme after spotting commercial rental equipment listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Investigators arranged an undercover purchase of an 18-inch trencher and set up a meeting with the sellers. When the suspects arrived, deputies determined the equipment had been rented only minutes earlier from a Home Depot on State Road 64 using fraudulent identification.
Authorities arrested Nakia Moore, 48, Kitron Richardson, 18, and Jaquez Lane, 28. A search of their vehicle reportedly uncovered fake identification documents and financial cards believed to have been used to rent equipment under false identities.
All three suspects face charges, including scheme to defraud and grand theft.
Investigators say the group was linked to at least 55 stolen pieces of rental equipment valued at more than $52,000. The thefts spanned multiple Florida counties, including Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Charlotte, Lee and Palm Beach.
According to detectives, the suspects used false names, phone numbers and addresses to rent equipment such as trenchers, sod cutters and tillers from Home Depot locations. The equipment was then allegedly listed online at heavily discounted prices and sold before the rental companies could recover it.
Law enforcement officials said the significantly reduced prices helped the suspects quickly move the stolen merchandise. Some equipment worth as much as $6,000 was reportedly being sold for less than half its value.
Authorities are encouraging buyers to exercise caution when purchasing expensive equipment online and to question unusually low prices that may indicate stolen property.
The investigation remains active, and detectives are working with agencies in other Florida jurisdictions to determine whether additional thefts are connected to the group. More charges are expected as the case develops.
A fourth suspect, 23-year-old Angel Richardson, is wanted in connection with the operation and remains at large. Investigators believe she played a role in the theft ring and may be wanted in several jurisdictions.
Anyone with information about Richardson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
