State AG Announces 15-Year Sentence for Stealing Disaster Aid

FL Attorney General News Releases

Filed February 5th, 2026

Detected February 7th, 2026

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a 15-year prison sentence for Ivan Miranda, who was convicted of stealing and reselling trailers intended for Hurricane Ian victims. The sentence was secured by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

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What changed

The Office of Statewide Prosecution, under Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, has secured a 15-year prison sentence for Ivan Miranda. Miranda was convicted on multiple felony charges, including RICO, Conspiracy to Commit RICO, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and Dealing in Stolen Property, for exploiting disaster relief resources meant for Hurricane Ian victims by stealing and reselling trailers. This action highlights the state's commitment to prosecuting individuals who defraud disaster relief programs.

This case serves as a strong deterrent against exploiting disaster situations for personal gain. While the sentence is for an individual, it underscores the importance of robust oversight of disaster aid distribution and the severe consequences for fraud. Regulated entities and individuals involved in disaster relief efforts should be aware of the stringent enforcement actions taken against such fraudulent activities. Miranda, identified as a Cuban national who entered the country illegally, will serve his sentence before deportation.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces 15-Year Prison Sentence for Illegal Alien Convicted of Stealing Disaster Aid from Hurricane Ian Victims

View PDF Release Date Feb 5, 2026 Contact Communications Phone (850) 245-0150 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 15-year prison sentence for Ivan Miranda after he was convicted on charges relating to stealing and reselling trailers meant for victims of Hurricane Ian who lost their homes.

“While Florida families were trying to rebuild their lives after a devastating hurricane, this criminal alien chose to exploit the emergency to line his pockets,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida will not allow criminals, especially those who shouldn’t be in our country in the first place, to take advantage of disaster relief or taxpayer-funded resources. Justice has been delivered—he will spend a significant amount of time behind bars before being removed from the United States.”

Miranda was convicted on felony charges of RICO, Conspiracy to Commit RICO, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and five counts of Dealing in Stolen Property in December 2025. Miranda was sentenced to 15-years for each count, which will be served concurrently.

Miranda is a Cuban national who entered the country illegally in 2022. He will serve out his sentence in the Department of Corrections and be turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation once his sentence is complete.