Traffic stop leads to arrests tied to statewide burglaries

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Three suspects in a string of burglaries throughout Florida were arrested on Tuesday following a traffic stop in Lee County.

Brittany Ramkelawan, 24, Cecil Ruffin, 23, and Tavarius Oliphant, 22, of Fort Lauderdale were stopped on Interstate 75, near mile marker 139, while traveling in a rented Toyota Camry.

The Camry was pulled over for following another vehicle too closely in the rain and for having illegal window tint. During the stop, officials noticed a smell of marijuana coming from inside the car and saw a pile of checks on the floorboard. Authorities say Ramkelawan, identified as the driver, also had a suspended license.

While searching the car, detectives found 41 stolen items from recent burglaries throughout Florida including including Hernando County, Longwood, and Sanford. Victims’ banking information, checks, social security cards, and driver’s license were recovered by officials. Tools used in the burglaries such as wigs and flashlights, were also found inside the car.

“It’s a very common crime, it’s a very organized group that comes from the East Coast,” said Sgt. Frank Trestka.

He says the trio traveled north and south off of Interstate 75, targeting cars outside churches, fitness centers, tennis courts, and day care centers.

“Once they have your Social Security number, they can do everything and anything they want,” said Carrie Kerskie, director of the Identity Fraud Institute at Hodges University.

Kerskie says just by calling the Sunshine State home, you are more at risk at becoming a victim.

” I refer to it kind of as the tourist’s brain, where people come down here and it’s such a beautiful area, they kind of relax and let down their guard,” said Kerskie.

Ramkelawan, Ruffin, and Oliphant are now facing multiple charges including fraud, impersonation, and using another person’s identification without consent.