Luiz Rodrigues
By Kevin Deutsch
A hot tip to Broward Sheriff’s Office Tamarac District detectives led to “cold justice” for a man suspected of selling stolen high-end appliances online.
Detectives launched Operation Cold Justice, an undercover operation, in late July. Their target: Luiz Rodrigues, 41, who took detectives inside several storage units in Pompano Beach, showing them stolen items he had posted for sale online.
The black market merchandise included pricey sub-zero refrigerators, cooktops, ovens, microwaves, and coffeemakers, according to BSO. The total retail value of the items in the storage units was more than $56,000.
According to an arrest affidavit, on Aug. 4, Rodrigues agreed to sell several stolen items to an undercover deputy for $18,500 in cash. Among the goods included in the deal were two stolen refrigerators.
Some of the stolen goods were recovered by BSO during their undercover operation. Credit: BSO
Some of the stolen goods were recovered by BSO during their undercover operation. Credit: BSO
After the bust, detectives recovered a dozen stolen appliances; all reported stolen from Ferguson Enterprises in Tamarac, deputies said. Investigators also seized more than $10,000 in cash.
Rodrigues, of Deerfield Beach, was arrested on August 4 and charged with two counts of dealing in stolen property. He has pleaded not guilty. Records show Rodrigues was released from the Broward Main Jail on a $7,500 bond.
The investigation into the thefts from Ferguson Enterprises is ongoing, deputies said.
Got News? Send it to Tamarac Talk.
Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
Latest entries
NewsApril 11, 2024Tamarac Approves Legal Fee Aid for Officials Cleared of Ethics Charges
NewsApril 11, 2024Tamarac Creates New Entity to Oversee Upscale Woodlands Development
NewsApril 10, 2024Man Charged with Murder Following Deadly Shooting Outside North Lauderdale Bar
NewsApril 4, 2024FBI Arrests Fugitive Wanted for 2002 Murder in Lauderhill
