Young Woman in Miami Arrested for Unique Jewelry Theft Scheme Targeting Elderly

Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera, a 27-year-old woman, was apprehended in Miami for executing an unusual scam that resulted in the theft of jewelry worth tens of thousands of dollars from elderly residents in the Flagami neighborhood. The accused, described as Hispanic though her exact nationality remains undisclosed, is facing several charges, including grand theft, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and organized fraud.

Deceptive Tactics: Gaining Trust to Facilitate Theft

The investigation, led by the Robbery Unit of the Miami Police Department, uncovered that Angulo Rivera utilized deceitful strategies to approach her targets, taking advantage of their vulnerability and trust. According to the arrest report, she would visit the homes of her victims under the guise of purchasing household items like old glasses, photo frames, or copper, then offer to clean their jewelry. Elderly individuals, misled by her seemingly kind demeanor, would comply with her requests.

In a notable incident on the 5000 block of Northwest Second Street, Angulo Rivera persuaded a victim to hand over jewelry valued at approximately $48,500. She placed the jewelry in a container, poured a blue liquid over them, and covered it with a napkin. She instructed the victim to wait an hour before checking the contents. When the victim did so, both the jewelry and Angulo Rivera had vanished.

Recurring Scam: Another Victim Falls Prey

A similar incident occurred on the 5800 block of Southwest Second Terrace, where another resident was approached with an offer to buy copper. Once again, the alleged scammer employed the same fake jewelry cleaning tactic, stealing valuable items using the blue liquid and napkin ruse. Police estimate the total losses to be around $50,000, and none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered thus far.

Victims' Accounts of Deceit

One of the victims, 81-year-old Nelsa Siluvera, recounted how Angulo Rivera approached her asking for a glass of water. Alongside her sister, Ramona Sánchez, 76, they allowed her entry. "She asked, 'Can I have some water?' so I said yes," Siluvera recounted. Within minutes, while engaging in conversation, the woman pocketed the jewelry, as both sisters told NBC6. Upon checking the container, they realized the theft.

Sánchez expressed her frustration: "I have no words to describe it," adding that some of the stolen items held great sentimental value, with the loss estimated at $2,000. The sisters attempted to follow Angulo Rivera in their car after discovering the theft but were unable to locate her, prompting them to call the police.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

Thanks to the victims' testimonies, surveillance footage analysis, and neighborhood patrols, detectives were able to locate and arrest Angulo Rivera last Friday near Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 38th Street during a traffic stop. During her court appearance on Sunday, a judge set her bail at $7,500, which she posted, allowing her release. In court, she occasionally shook her head as the charges were read.

Records indicate Angulo Rivera is charged with two counts of third-degree grand theft, burglary, running a criminal organization, and operating a business without a county license. Authorities confirmed that additional charges might follow as the investigation remains active.

Police Message and Appeal to Other Victims

Miami Police Department Chief Manny Morales commented on the case in a statement: "This suspect exploited the kindness and vulnerability of our senior residents with a calculated and ruthless plan. I am proud of the patrol officers and detectives who found her, and we encourage anyone who encountered her to come forward."

Authorities urge potential victims or anyone with information to contact the Miami Police Department's Robbery Unit at 305-603-6055 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via www.crimestoppersmiami.com or by texting 274637 with the code CSMD followed by the information.