An investigation into a teen burglary suspect led to the arrest of six other suspects including a drug dealer, four employees at a cash-for-gold business and another teen burglar, the Broward Sheriff's Office said Thursday.
The investigation began on Aug.22, when 15-year-old Salvador Mercado was arrested by BSO detectives for burglary. While he was being interviewed, Mercado admitted to detectives that he'd burglarized his friend's elderly neighbor's home in the 500 block of Northeast 61st Street on Aug. 7, the BSO said.
Mercado's friend, 17-year-old Nickolas Tarr, was arrested the next day and admitted to his involvement in the burglary which netted the pair jewelry, electronics and a gun, the BSO said.
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According to the BSO, the teen thieves sold the gun to 21-year-old Max Silverio, a drug dealer known for selling marijuana to high school and middle school students.
When authorities searched Silverio's home, they found the stolen gun and drugs, the BSO said. He was arrested Aug. 23 on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.
Mercado and Tarr also informed detectives that they sold the stolen jewelry to International Gold Buyers at the Swap Shop in Lauderhill, the BSO said.
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When detectives searched the store's records, they discovered employees had been buying gold from people under 18, a misdemeanor violation, the BSO said. An investigation revealed employees had conducted at least 12 unlawful transactions with juveniles in a two-month time.
Employees Dale Teelucksingh, 26, Manuel Dejesus, 26, Geleina Cordero, 31, and Clyde Cerisier, 26, were all charged. It was unknown whether any of the suspects has an attorney.
