Five residents from Polk County, Florida, have been accused of racketeering in connection with approximately 30 burglaries spanning seven different counties.
These counties include Polk, Hernando, Hillsborough, Hardee, Highlands, and Sarasota, as reported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
An investigation was launched in March 2019 after various law enforcement agencies responded to commercial burglaries “with similar characteristics,” according to the FDLE.
In each instance, a group of suspects used objects to break glass and gain entry into the targeted businesses. They then proceeded to loot safes and cash registers.
The FDLE linked these five individuals to the burglaries through surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and evidence from the crime scenes.
Officials suspect that this burglary ring is responsible for approximately 30 break-ins across 11 different jurisdictions, spanning Polk, Volusia, Hernando, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties.
The individuals arrested and charged with first-degree felony racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering are: De Jauhn Akins, 31, of Bartow; Chad Barnett, 29, of Lake Wales; Antonio Ray, 34, of Lake Wales; Jamar Hasley, 33, of Lake Wales; and Xavier Ulysse, 28, of Lake Wales.
All five are currently held in Polk County Jail without bond, according to official.
