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At a press conference on October 24, 2024, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri addressed the community regarding criminal activity following twin hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The storms devastated the Pinellas region, with mandatory evacuation orders affecting more than 500,000 residents.

As a result of the evacuations, many areas have turned into ghost towns, making them prime targets for criminals looking to exploit the chaos. Sheriff Gualtieri reported that 12 residents lost their lives due to Hurricane Helene.

Sheriff Gualtieri revealed that over the past three weeks, his deputies have arrested 45 people for crimes ranging from armed robbery to trespassing. Surprisingly, only two of these individuals were local; the rest came from outside Pinellas County, 41 of them undocumented immigrants from various Central and South American countries. Deputies also made contact with 196 other people who were loitering in seaside neighborhoods, advising them to leave the area.

To further protect residents, the Sheriff’s Office launched an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors. Working with local and state agencies, they arrested 58 people on felony charges for engaging in unauthorized contracting during the declared state of emergency. Sheriff Gualtieri highlighted the dangers posed by these unlicensed contractors, noting their lack of accountability and criminal histories.

He pointed out that some of these so-called entrepreneurs have extensive criminal histories, ranging from theft to drug offenses and even sex crimes.

The sheriff concluded his statements by strongly warning would-be looters and scammers to stay away, reiterating the department’s commitment to protecting the community as it rebuilds.