WESTON, Fla. — As drone video surfaces showing the moments Indiana police officers say they captured a man who was wanted in a massive jewelry heist in Weston, Broward detectives say he’s likely connected to the notorious South American Theft Group ― or SATG.
Jose Elias Barrozo-Espinosa, 38, who uses several aliases, was arrested in late March.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Robert O’Dor said the Chilean national is one of several suspects involved in multiple break-ins in the Windmill Ranch neighborhood.
“We definitely said ‘There’s something going on here,’” O’Dor said. “We took the operational plan that we had in place and we brought in additional BSO assets.”
O’Dor said Barrozo-Espinosa was cut after breaking into the window of a home on Nov. 8, along with an accomplice.
According to an arrest warrant, the suspects got in, stealing a safe containing roughly $500,000 in gold and jewelry.
DNA evidence taken from blood left on a shade near the shattered window and on the floor came back to Barrozo-Espinosa.
Barrozo-Espinosa was reportedly fleeing from another burglary in the wealthy Indianapolis suburb of Zionsville, Indiana when he was caught by police and arrested under one of his aliases, Fabian Eliseo Llancavil Nahuel.
Deputies say he’s also wanted in California and Texas. O’Dor flew to Indiana to bring him back to Weston.
“Going over there and picking him up and bringing him back, it felt good,” O’Dor said.
Barrozo-Espinosa is believed to be part of SATG, known to target the empty homes of celebrities, the wealthy and professional athletes.
“They don’t stay in one place very long,” O’Dor said.
As of Thursday evening, two suspects linked to high-end burglaries in Weston have been arrested and several others believed to be accomplices are in custody.
O’Dor credits good police work of BSO detectives as well as partnerships with other agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
BSO urges homeowners to be vigilant, keep lights on inside and outside their homes, and to change up their routines.
As of Thursday, Barrozo-Espinosa remained in jail on an immigration hold.
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