Miami police have arrested a man in Hialeah, accused of armed robbery and theft from sellers offering jewelry through the mobile app OfferUp. According to the arrest report, David Fontánez Gutiérrez, 33, used a similar modus operandi in each case: he would offer to buy jewelry from individuals advertising on the online platform, schedule a meeting with them, and then flee with the items without paying. One of the incidents involved an armed robbery.
Fontánez, who has addresses in southwest Miami-Dade and Kissimmee, was arrested last Friday at Westland Hialeah Senior High School, police reported on Monday. Between April 28 and May 14, three robberies occurred, two in Little Havana and one in Miami's MiMo District.
Fontánez used a disposable phone number from TextNow and blocked individuals on OfferUp shortly before their meetings, according to AmericaTeVé. On April 28, the accused met one of his victims at Northwest 10th Avenue and 3rd Street in Little Havana around 3:30 p.m., under the pretense of buying a Cuban bracelet.
According to the channel's report, Fontánez asked the seller to try on the bracelet, to which the seller refused. He then claimed he wanted to weigh the bracelet on a scale he had in his car. As they walked to the vehicle, the victim handed the bracelet to the supposed buyer and noticed “a bulge on his waist with a holster clip,” according to the police report.
Fontánez threatened to shoot him. “I’m going to blow you up,” he said, got into his BMW SUV, and drove off. The seller tried unsuccessfully to open the passenger door, but the suspect managed to escape with the bracelet.
Last Friday, police found Fontánez inside his car, parked in a student-designated area at Westland Hialeah Senior High School. Officers discovered a Glock 19 handgun in the vehicle and arrested him for possession of a firearm on school property and openly carrying a weapon.
Fontánez also faces multiple charges of armed robbery and grand theft. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Detention Center (TGK) in Miami-Dade and appeared in court.
A statement released by the Miami Police Department urges anyone who has been a victim of the accused to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. “Sellers who have been victims of similar scams are advised to act with caution and prioritize safety when conducting transactions with unknown buyers,” the police advised.
FAQs on Miami Jewelry Seller Scam Arrest
Here are some frequently asked questions about the arrest of David Fontánez Gutiérrez for scamming jewelry sellers through OfferUp.
What was David Fontánez Gutiérrez accused of?
He was accused of armed robbery and theft from sellers offering jewelry through OfferUp.
Where and when did the robberies occur?
Three robberies occurred between April 28 and May 14, two in Little Havana and one in the MiMo District of Miami.
How did Fontánez carry out the scams?
He offered to buy jewelry advertised on OfferUp, scheduled meetings with sellers, and then fled with the items without paying. In one case, he threatened a seller with a gun.
What should sellers do to protect themselves from similar scams?
Sellers are advised to act with caution and prioritize safety when conducting transactions with unknown buyers.