A suspect from Venezuela was arrested for a Central Florida home burglary, and that caused immigration problems.
The investigation began when deputies responded to a Lakeland residence regarding a stolen package. The victim reported that her Ring doorbell camera recorded a male suspect wearing a hoodie and baseball cap approaching her front door. The video shows the suspect carrying an empty Door Dash delivery bag, turning his back to the camera to conceal his face, and taking a large package from the doorstep before leaving in a dark colored SUV. The package was valued at approximately $70.
The following day, the victim called again after locating the discarded box near her trash bins. The contents were missing. Deputies collected fingerprints from the box, which matched those of Carlos Silva. He also matched the general physical description of the suspect.
According to local law enforcement, detectives later confirmed through investigative resources that Silva’s vehicle was in the area at the time of the theft. Detectives were able to contact his brother who stated that Carlos does work for Door Dash.
A PCSO warrant was obtained for Silva, and deputies located his vehicle at Lake Miriam Plaza in Lakeland. He was positively identified.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 36-year-old Carlos Silva, who was in the country from Venezuela with a pending immigration application, on charges related to a home burglary.
After his arrest, ICE was notified. Due to the criminal charges, his immigration status was revoked, and ICE issued an Immigration Detainer.
Silva was charged with unarmed burglary and grand theft from a dwelling. Each charge is enhanced by one degree due to his illegal alien status.
“This suspect was on track to remain in the country legally while his application was being processed, but he chose to commit a crime, and that decision cost him his status,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “When you break the law in Polk County, there are serious consequences.”
