#teamHCSO has arrested two suspects connected to the theft of a rare Pokémon card valued at approximately $1,050.
On March 17, 2026, at 1:27 p.m., detectives began looking into the theft of a rare Pokémon card, identified as a Mega Gengar ex 284/217, from a local card shop. During the incident, Joseph Roque, 36, and Enrique Saucedo, 26, entered the business. One distracted the clerk while the other took the card from a display case. Both then left the store with the stolen card. Detectives later learned the same two suspects had committed a similar theft earlier this month at another store in downtown St. Petersburg.
On March 20, 2026, Roque was taken into custody. During the investigation, detectives also learned that Saucedo had an outstanding warrant from the Tampa Police Department for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and domestic violence battery in an unrelated case.
On March 20, 2026, detectives conducted surveillance at a Tampa residence where they believed Saucedo was located. When Saucedo attempted to avoid detection, detectives moved in. After briefly reentering the home, he was taken into custody without incident. Both suspects are facing grand theft charges related to 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 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.”
