In a press conference on October 24, 2024, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri addressed the community regarding criminal activity following the twin hurricanes, Helene and Milton.
The storms left the Pinellas area devastated, with mandatory evacuation orders impacting over 500,000 residents.
As a result of the evacuations, many areas turned into ghost towns, making them prime targets for criminals looking to exploit the chaos. Sheriff Gualtieri reported that 12 residents lost their lives due to Hurricane Helene.
Sheriff Gualtieri revealed that over the past three weeks, his deputies arrested 45 individuals for crimes ranging from armed robbery to trespassing. Surprisingly, only two of these individuals were local; the rest came from outside Pinellas County, with 41 of them being undocumented immigrants from various countries in Central and South America. Deputies also made contact with an additional 196 individuals loitering in beach neighborhoods, advising them to leave the area.
To further protect residents, the sheriff’s office initiated an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors. Collaborating with local and state agencies, they arrested 58 individuals on felony charges for engaging in unlicensed contracting during a declared state of emergency. Sheriff Gualtieri highlighted the dangers these unlicensed contractors pose, noting their lack of accountability and criminal backgrounds.
He emphasized that some of these so-called contractors had extensive criminal histories, ranging from theft to drug offenses and even sexual crimes.
The sheriff wrapped up his statements by strongly warning potential looters and scammers to stay away, reiterating the department’s commitment to safeguarding the community as it rebuilds.
