Mario Mercier Hernandez, 61, of New Port Richey, Florida, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for transporting stolen avionics equipment across state lines. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle. Mercier had pleaded guilty to the charge on July 25, 2025.
According to court documents, Mercier began stealing avionics equipment from airplanes at more than forty airports throughout the United States starting in 2019. Airports affected were located in states including Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina. Using his background as an FAA-certified pilot, Mercier entered airports and broke into aircraft to take electronics valued at over $1.1 million. His activities continued until May 23, 2024, when he was apprehended while committing a theft at Caldwell Executive Airport in Idaho.
Mercier operated JWG International and JWG Aviation in Florida’s Middle District. These businesses claimed to help impoverished children in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Ukraine but were instead used as fronts to sell stolen avionics parts online across the country.
Mercier has two prior convictions related to similar crimes: one from 1993 for avionics burglaries spanning several states and another from 2007 for transporting stolen property involving aviation equipment.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe commented on the case: “This investigation spanned multiple states and involved numerous agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Clearly, it demonstrates the ability and resolve of our law enforcement partners to extend their reach and bring criminals to justice.”
Greg Thompson of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General added: “Today’s sentencing sends a clear and unequivocal message that those who engage in extensive, far-reaching schemes to steal, transport, and resell avionics equipment will face serious consequences,” said Greg Thompson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region. “Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit our transportation systems and ensure they are brought to justice.”
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies from different states including federal entities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS); as well as local sheriff's offices and police departments nationwide.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt is handling prosecution for this case.
