Three people from South Florida have been arrested in a string of 25 burglaries in the South Tampa area.

  • 3 arrested in 25 burglaries in the South Tampa area
  • One of the suspects captured on home surveillance video
  • Stolen credit card used in South Florida  

Two of the defendants were arrested in Miami-Dade County. One was arrested in Manatee County.

The trio, identified as Alejandro Blanco-Poza, 26, Diego Perera, 25, and Leyanet Morales-Torres, 24, is believed to be responsible for 25 burglaries in the South Tampa area dating back to late March.

Mike Puckett was one of the victims.

“Our bedroom had been ransacked. Really, went for jewelry, didn’t go for electronics,” he said.

Police say the team stole upwards of $350,000 worth of jewelry and other expensive items, including family heirlooms.

“My wife’s got a pearl necklace, came from her grandmother,” he said. “I’ve got a couple pocket watches passed down from my grandparents. All my dad’s rings pretty much all in one container, they were able to take that, put it in a pillow case and walk out with it. “


Diego Perera, 25, was identified from home surveillance video taken from two South Tampa area homes.

Police said it was the use of a stolen credit card that provided Tampa Police the lead they needed to identify the suspects.

"Two weeks ago, we learned that the credit card in one of the burglaries was used in a local store in South Florida," said TPD Maj. Eli Vasquez.

Police said Morales-Torres and Blanco-Poza were in possession of numerous pieces of jewelry at the time of their arrest in South Florida. Tampa Police are still working to identify additional jewelry in their possession.

Perera was identified from home surveillance video taken from two South Tampa area homes. Police released that video to the public last week but said since the suspects were not from the area the video did not lead to identification.

All three defendants are facing charges in South Florida and in Tampa. Police said additional charges are likely.  

Morales-Torres and Blanco-Poza are from Homestead. Perera has a Naples address.  

Police say they are currently searching for a fourth suspect in the robberies. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).