‘Group of Colombian nationals’ accused of burgling homes, businesses in Orange, Osceola counties

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Five people described as a “group of Colombian nationals” are behind bars on allegations they committed residential burglaries in Orange and Osceola counties, according to a news release.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it has been working with deputies from Osceola County to take down the group, which is accused of targeting homes and apartments of business owners while they were at work.

“Taking down this group required extensive investigation, surveillance, and teamwork,” the release said in part.

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Officials said that on Feb. 21 just before 9 p.m., the suspects drove to an apartment complex near Universal Boulevard and Sand Lake Road. While there, the group kicked in the door and burglarized the residence, officials said.

According to the news release, deputies followed two women and three men and the suspects were later taken into custody at a different apartment complex near Vineland and Conroy Roads.

Deputies said 29-year-old Camilo Casallas Gomez, 43-year-old Miguel Escobar Guerrero, 27-year-old Guiovanni Marin Bernal, 32-year-old Angie Hernandez Baquero and 35-year-old Jeimmy Andrea Moreno Cuellar all face charges of criminal mischief, grand theft third degree, and burglary of a dwelling.

“Throughout the investigation, it was discovered that this group is suspected of operating in several western states, and it’s believed they are connected to dozens of burglaries across the nation,” deputies said in the release.

In addition, it was discovered that two of the suspects had ICE deportation warrants, although deputies not specify which two.

Deputies said they are working with ICE to determine whether state immigration charges are warranted, according to the release.