Prolific Offender Arrested in Palm Beach County Theft Operation
Prolific Offender Arrested After Ankle Monitor Links Him to Series of Thefts Across Palm Beach County
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — In a dramatic turn of events, authorities have apprehended 42-year-old Carlos Carballea, a known prolific offender, following a meticulous investigation that traced a string of thefts and pawn transactions across Palm Beach and Broward counties. The Delray Beach Police Department (DBPD) reported that Carballea’s ankle monitor played a pivotal role in uncovering his sophisticated operation involving the theft and resale of high-value items.
Recently released from the Florida Department of Corrections, Carballea’s criminal history is extensive, featuring charges of aggravated assault, felony battery, theft, and trafficking in stolen property. The investigation into his activities commenced in August 2024, revealing a troubling pattern of thefts from various retail outlets, quickly followed by the pawning of stolen goods.
Key Incidents
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August 30, 2024 – Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pembroke Pines
Carballea allegedly stole pickleball paddles, trading cards, and sports apparel valued at $2,814.94, pawning them at Crown Pawn for just $350. -
August 31, 2024 – Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fort Lauderdale
The arrest affidavit details another theft, where he took pickleball rackets and sports equipment worth $3,509.85, pawning them the same day for $170. -
September 3, 2024 – PGA Tour Superstore, Delray Beach
Carballea reportedly stole two sets of Taylor Made golf clubs valued at $2,799.98, receiving $980 at a pawn shop. -
September 4, 2024 – Walgreens, Tamarac
He stole medications and health products worth $637.23, pawning them for a mere $28. -
September 7, 2024 – PGA Tour Superstore, Plantation
In a significant theft, Carballea took 12 Titleist golf clubs valued at $7,799.88, pawning them for $1,800. -
September 16, 2024 – PGA Tour Superstore, Delray Beach
He stole XXIO golf clubs valued at $3,991.05, receiving $1,040 at a pawn shop. - September 20, 2024 – Club Champion, Delray Beach
Carballea and an accomplice stole forty-one golf club heads valued at an astonishing $23,849.59, pawning them for $3,350.
The investigation utilized a combination of surveillance footage, pawn records, and GPS data from Carballea’s ankle monitor to meticulously track his movements and transactions. This evidence provided sufficient probable cause for his arrest, leading to multiple charges, including dealing in stolen property, false verification of ownership, and organized retail theft.
In addition to Carballea, his accomplice, Stephen Mossor, has also been identified and charged with organized retail theft for his role in several incidents.
As the investigation continues, local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. For more updates on local news, sign up for our newsletter to receive the day’s top headlines directly in your inbox.
