Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera, a 27-year-old woman, was arrested in Miami for using a unique scam method to steal jewelry valued in the tens of thousands of dollars from elderly individuals in the Flagami neighborhood.
The accused - a Hispanic individual whose nationality of origin has not been disclosed - faces multiple charges, including grand theft, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and organized scheme to defraud.
Modus operandi: Trust as a tool of deception
The investigation, led by the Robbery Unit of the Miami Police Department, reveals that Angulo Rivera used deceptive tactics to approach his victims, taking advantage of their vulnerability and goodwill.
According to the arrest report, the woman would show up at her victims' homes offering to buy household items like old glasses, picture frames, or copper, and then suggested cleaning their jewelry. The elderly, trusting her apparent kindness, would agree to her requests.
In one of the most documented cases, which occurred in the 5000 block of Northwest Second Street, Angulo Rivera convinced a victim to hand over jewelry valued at approximately $48,500.
The accused placed the jewelry in a container, poured a blue liquid over them, and covered it with a napkin. She then told the victim to wait an hour before checking the contents.
When the woman did it, both the jewelry and Angulo Rivera had vanished.
Second victim, same pattern
A second similar case was reported in the 5800 block of Southwest Second Terrace, where another resident was approached with an offer to buy copper.
Once again, the alleged scammer repeated the pattern of the fake jewelry cleaning service, stealing valuable items under the same deception of the blue liquid and the napkin.
The police estimate that the total losses amount to around $50,000.
None of the jewels have been recovered so far.
Victims' testimonies
One of the victims, Nelsa Siluvera, 81 years old, recounted that Angulo Rivera came asking for a glass of water.
Together with her sister, Ramona Sánchez, 76 years old, they allowed her to enter.
“She said to me, ‘Can you give me some water?’ So I said yes,” Siluvera recounted. Within a few minutes, while they were talking, the woman slipped the jewelry into her pocket, according to both of them to NBC6.
When they tried to look for them after emptying the container, they discovered the theft.
Sánchez expressed the helplessness of the moment: “I have no words to express myself,” and added that some of the stolen pieces were of great sentimental value.
The loss in his case was estimated at 2,000 dollars.
Both sisters tried to follow her by car after realizing the theft, but they were unable to locate her, so they called the police.
Research and capture
Thanks to the victims' statements, surveillance image 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 appearance before the court on Sunday, a judge set bail at 7,500, which was paid by the accused, allowing her to be released.
In the hearing, the woman occasionally moved her head as the charges were read to her.
Records indicate that Angulo Rivera faces two counts of third-degree grand theft, breaking and entering, organized crime, and operating a business without a county license.
Authorities confirmed that more charges could be added, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Message from the police and call to other victims
The head of the Miami Police Department, Manny Morales, addressed the case in a statement:
"This suspect took advantage of 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 has seen her to come forward."
Authorities urge potential victims or individuals 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 sent anonymously through www.crimestoppersmiami.com or by texting 274637 with the code CSMD followed by the information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Theft from Seniors in Miami
How did Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera operate to steal jewelry from elderly people?
Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera used deceitful tactics to gain the trust of her victims, mainly elderly individuals, by offering services such as the purchase of household items and jewelry cleaning. She exploited this trust to steal the jewelry under the pretense of cleaning it, using a ruse that involved a blue liquid and a napkin.
What was the total amount of the jewelry stolen by Angulo Rivera?
It is estimated that the total losses from the jewelry stolen by Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera amounts to 50,000 dollars, with one of the victims having had jewelry valued at approximately 48,500 dollars taken from them.
What charges does Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera face after her arrest?
Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera faces multiple charges, including grand theft, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and organized scheme to defraud. Additionally, she is charged with two counts of third-degree grand theft, trespassing, and operating a criminal organization without a county license.
What measures has the police taken to capture Angulo Rivera?
The police managed to capture Katherine Coromoto Angulo Rivera thanks to the testimonies of the victims, the analysis of surveillance footage, and neighborhood patrols. She was arrested near Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 38th Street during a traffic stop.
What message has the Miami police issued regarding the case?
The head of the Miami Police Department, Manny Morales, stated that the suspect took advantage of the kindness and vulnerability of elderly residents with a calculated and ruthless plan. He urged anyone who had contact with her to come forward and provide information.
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