MIAMI.- An investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) into the theft of truck electronic systems from dealerships in the Kendall area led detectives to Facebook Marketplace, where, according to authorities, the stolen parts were offered.
The investigation led to the arrest of the citizen of Cuban origin Josmanny Alexis Valdez25 years old and resident of Homestead, who faces more than 20 charges related to two different files. Authorities are also continuing to search for Celestino Ayala Jr.25 years old, identified as the second alleged suspect.
According to the arrest report, the investigation began on May 15, after the manager of Kendall Dodge’s service department reported the disappearance of 18 infotainment systems installed in Dodge Ram trucks manufactured between 2019 and 2026.
Detectives determined that the affected vehicles belonged to 14 customers and remained on the dealership lot while receiving maintenance. According to the investigation, those responsible pierced the perimeter fence to access the parking lot and dismantled the electronic equipment, also cutting the wiring, which caused additional damage to the units.
The record indicates that each system was valued at approximately $5,314while the repairs derived from the damage were estimated at about $1,087 per vehicle.
During the investigation, detectives located ads on Facebook Marketplace offering equipment with similar characteristics to those reported stolen. The publications appeared under the profiles identified as “Gio Valdez”, “Josmanny Valdes” and “Laylowjr Ayala”accompanied by identical photographs of the pieces.
As part of the investigation, an undercover detective coordinated the purchase of two systems by 500 dollars. According to officials, during the operation they observed the suspects remove the devices from a blue Ford truck before heading to the Dolphin Mall to complete the alleged sale.
Later, investigators recovered other screens and radio modules during the inspection of the vehicle used by the accused. In addition, surveillance videos located the alleged perpetrators in the vicinity of the automotive business on different dates, according to the report.
Valdez faces five counts of burglary of an occupied vehicle, five counts of grand theft over $3,000 committed with other people, five counts of criminal mischief over $1,000 and one count of burglary of an occupied property. A second file attributes six other charges related to similar events.
The defendant remained held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $168,000. The court also imposed a Nebbia retentiona mechanism that requires proving the legitimate origin of the money used to cover the bail.
The police are still actively searching for Celestino Ayala Jr.whose whereabouts remain unknown. MDOS asks anyone with information about its location to contact confidentially Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers to the 305-471-8477.
