News and Investigations

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 36 year old Carlos Silva, who is in the country from Venezuela with a pending immigration application, on charges related to a home burglary.

The investigation began on January 26, when deputies responded to a Lakeland residence regarding a stolen package. The victim reported that her Ring doorbell camera recorded a male suspect wearing a hoodie and baseball cap approaching her front door. The video shows the suspect carrying an empty Door Dash delivery bag, turning his back to the camera to conceal his face, and taking a large package from the doorstep before leaving in a dark colored SUV. The package was valued at approximately $70.

The following day, the victim called again after locating the discarded box near her trash bins. The contents were missing. Deputies collected fingerprints from the box, which matched those of Carlos Silva. He also matched the general physical description of the suspect.

Detectives later confirmed through investigative resources that Silva’s vehicle was in the area at the time of the theft. Detectives were able to contact his brother who stated that Carlos does work for Door Dash.

A PCSO warrant was obtained for Silva. On February 10, deputies located his vehicle at Lake Miriam Plaza in Lakeland. He was positively identified and taken into custody.

After his arrest, ICE was notified. Due to the criminal charges, Silva’s immigration status was revoked, and ICE issued an Immigration Detainer.

Silva is charged with:
Unarmed burglary (F2)
Grand theft from a dwelling (F3)

Each charge is enhanced by one degree due to his illegal status.

“This suspect was on track to remain in the country legally while his application was being processed, but he chose to commit a crime, and that decision cost him his status. When you break the law in Polk County, there are serious consequences.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff