Mario Mercier Hernandez, 61, of New Port Richey, Florida, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for transporting stolen property across state lines. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle after Mercier pleaded guilty on July 25, 2025.
Court records show that from around 2019 until his arrest in May 2024, Mercier stole avionics equipment from more than forty airports nationwide. He targeted airports in several states including Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina. Using his experience as an FAA-certified pilot, he entered airports and broke into airplanes to steal electronics valued at over $1.1 million. His arrest occurred while stealing equipment at Caldwell Executive Airport in Idaho.
Mercier operated two companies—JWG International and JWG Aviation—in the Middle District of Florida. These businesses claimed to help impoverished children in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Ukraine but were used to sell the stolen avionics online to buyers across the country.
Mercier had previous convictions related to similar crimes. In 1993, he was convicted in Texas for avionics burglaries spanning multiple states. In 2007, he was convicted again for transporting stolen property linked to a scheme involving stolen avionics.
“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.”
“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 with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for the 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with support from several federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS). Numerous local law enforcement agencies from across the country also contributed to the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt is prosecuting.
