TAMPA, Fla. – Moises Lopez, 49, was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office after detectives discovered he was selling stolen air conditioning units and a water heater on Facebook Marketplace.

The investigation began on July 9, 2024, when detectives were looking into a recent theft of an AC unit from a new residential construction site in Ruskin. They found an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a unit matching the stolen one.

After connecting Lopez to the ad and another individual involved in construction thefts, undercover detectives met with Lopez at his Tampa residence. There, they observed two new AC units and a water heater in Lopez’s garage, which appeared to be unused and removed after installation.

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Upon obtaining serial numbers, detectives confirmed that one AC unit was stolen from a Manatee County construction site, and the other from Hillsborough County. A search warrant was then executed at Lopez’s residence, and the stolen property was recovered.

Lopez was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Third Degree and Dealing in Stolen Property. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office warns that those who exploit the hard work of others will face serious consequences.

“Those who believe they can exploit hard-earned money from individuals in our community and businesses will face serious consequences. These crimes devastate our business community and local economy, and your sheriff’s office is steadfast in protecting both,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Let this serve as a clear message that our detectives are committed to investigating and apprehending individuals who commit theft crimes of any magnitude and attempt to take advantage of community members.”

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