2 Arrested for Theft of Expensive And Rare Card in Florida

Two men were taken into custody for the theft of an expensive and rare card in Florida.

The two Florida suspects apprehended were linked to the theft of a rare and expensive Pokémon card worth around $1,050.

Detectives began investigating the theft of a rare Pokémon card, a Mega Gengar ex 284/217, from a local card shop in Central Florida.

During the event, Joseph Roque, 36, and Enrique Saucedo, 26, entered the shop. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and video surveillance, one distracted the clerk and the other removed the card from a display case. They then left the business with the stolen card.

Detectives then discovered that the same two suspects had perpetrated a similar theft at another establishment in downtown St. Petersburg.

Joseph Roque was detained and brought into jail by authorities. During the inquiry, police discovered that Enrique Saucedo had an outstanding warrant from the Tampa Police Department for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and domestic violence battery in a separate case.

Local cops conducted surveillance at a Tampa home where they believed Saucedo was staying. When Saucedo tried to hide, cops moved in. After briefly returning home, he was hauled into custody without incident.

Both individuals were charged with grand theft for the stolen Pokémon card.

“Retail theft has a direct impact on our local businesses and the safety of our community. Our Organized Retail Theft detectives take these cases seriously and work diligently to identify those responsible,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We will hold anyone who targets businesses in our community accountable. We remain committed to protecting our business community and ensuring those responsible face consequences.”