Four Suspects Charged in Ron DeSantis’ Florida for Alleged Looting in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

Four in Florida have been arrested and charged with looting in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Much of the state has been devastated and brings out the best in some and the worst in others.

On Thursday, Omar Mejia Ortiz, 33, Valerie Celeste Salcedo Mena, 26, Brandon Mauricio Araya, 20, and Steve Eduardo Sanchez Araya, 20, were arrested by Lee County sheriff’s deputies.

Brandon and Steve Araya as well as Valerie Mena were charged with grand larceny. Omar Ortiz was charged with petit larceny.

A day after they were arrested video emerged of five individuals sitting handcuffed for looting in a section of Fort Meyers that has been devastated by the hurricane. We are unaware if the four are those seen in the video or not.

Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear at a press conference that “looting and lawlessness will not be tolerated” even as the state is recovering from this disaster.

“When I say zero tolerance, zero tolerance means we will hunt you down, track you down, and you’re going to jail. If you’re lucky,” he shared.

“Florida is a law and order state. Looting and lawlessness will not be tolerated.”

Florida is a law and order state.

Looting and lawlessness will not be tolerated. pic.twitter.com/8Ma9RuSlPq

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 1, 2022

The four alleged looters were released from jail on Saturday after posting a $35,000 bond.

Florida continues to clean up after the disaster and the death toll has continued to climb. Many are working hard to repair the damage done to the state.