Florida
Coral Gables PD Says 72-Year-Old Man Defrauded Restaurant Server Out Of $5,000
By
MIAMI – Police have arrested a man accused of defrauding a restaurant server of thousands of dollars and stealing two luxury vehicles from sellers on social media.
Coral Gables PD said 72-year-old Pedro Horta met the server at a restaurant and offered her a position to be his personal driver.
The victim, Lucy Rodriguez, told police that Horta gained her trust by connecting with her on a personal level.
When she mentioned she didn’t have a suitable car, that’s when police said Horta offered her a $10,000 car for $5,000.
Police said after the victim handed Horta the cash for the car she never heard from him again. She said while she was talking to him she picked up on several warning signs.
As for the stolen car cases, police said on two separate occasions Horta posed as “Manny Diaz” on social media and set up meetings to buy luxury vehicles.
Police said Horta would hop in the driver set for a test drive, stealing the car once the sellers stepped out.
According to investigators, Horta made off with a 2004 Mercedes SLC 300 and a 2012 BMW Z4.
Horta has been charged with multiple counts of grand theft.
Police believe there may be other victims.
If you believe you’re a victim, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
-
Local News6 months agoA huge financial relief is coming for Broward County schools teachers, principals, and educational support staff after unanimous vote results in salary hike
-
Florida6 months agoFlorida Senator Rick Scott’s renewed push for the Sunshine Protection Act aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, with backing from key House and Senate leaders, emphasizing health, benefits
-
Crime & Safety6 months agoOkechukwu Josiah Odunna of Nigeria arrested for masterminding a fraudulent real estate operation that deceived financial institutions in Florida, leading to significant losses
-
Crime & Safety6 months agoFederal jury convicts Florida man, Dustin Sean McCabe, of manslaughter and fraud after deadly boating accident and deceptive COVID relief claims that exposed reckless conduct and financial exploitation
-
Florida6 months agoComprehensive conservation strategy secures productive lands to ensure future generations continue Florida’s proud tradition of farming and ranching
-
Local News6 months agoSouth Florida artists urged to reimagine public spaces as Dania Beach launches Creative Visions initiative, seeking immersive art projects that engage the community and enhance everyday locations
-
Crime & Safety6 months agoFlorida’s fight against the fentanyl crisis intensifies as Attorney General Uthmeier’s office charges 33 in a sweeping, multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking bust
-
Florida6 months agoSenator Rick Scott’s legislation seeks to impose harsh consequences on universities for neglecting antisemitic harassment, ensuring Jewish students are protected under federal law in latest legislative push
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.