LAKELAND, FL — On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 36-year-old Carlos Silva, a Venezuelan national with a pending immigration application, in connection with a home burglary involving the theft of a delivered package.
The investigation began on January 26, 2026, when deputies responded to a residence in Lakeland regarding a stolen package. The victim reported that her Ring doorbell camera captured a male suspect, wearing a hoodie and baseball cap, approaching the front door. The footage showed the suspect carrying an empty DoorDash delivery bag, turning his back to the camera to conceal his face, taking a large package from the doorstep, and departing in a dark-colored SUV. The stolen package was valued at approximately $70.
The following day, the victim located the discarded box near her trash bins, with the contents missing. Deputies collected fingerprints from the box, which matched those of Carlos Silva. He also matched the general physical description of the suspect in the video.
Through further investigative resources, detectives confirmed that Silva’s vehicle was in the area at the time of the theft. Detectives contacted Silva’s brother, who stated that Carlos works for DoorDash.
A PCSO warrant was obtained for Silva’s arrest. On February 10, deputies located his vehicle at Lake Miriam Plaza in Lakeland, positively identified him, and took him into custody.
Following the arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified. Due to the criminal charges, Silva’s immigration status was revoked, and ICE issued an Immigration Detainer.
Silva faces the following charges:
- Unarmed burglary (Felony 2)
- Grand theft from a dwelling (Felony 3)
Each charge is enhanced by one degree due to his illegal status.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated: “This suspect was on track to remain in the country legally while his application was being processed, but he chose to commit a crime, and that decision cost him his status. When you break the law in Polk County, there are serious consequences.”
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
