Restaurant manager in Miami sentenced to prison after incident involving an expensive Louis Vuitton bag

The account of the accusation is supported by surveillance footage from the restaurant.

Defendant's court appearancePhoto © Screenshot from Facebook/Univision

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A woman who worked as a manager at a restaurant in Coral Gables, in Miami-Dade, was arrested after being accused of stealing a handbag from the brand Louis Vuitton, valued at around $2,000, which a customer forgot when changing tables.

The accused, identified as Janet Rodríguez Suárez, was serving as a manager at the establishment when, according to the official version, a customer left her bag on the table she was occupying before deciding to move to another location within the same venue.

The bag not only had a high commercial value due to its brand, but also contained 900 dollars in cash, several credit cards, and personal belongings, according to the chain Univision.

Shortly after, the client realized her Louis Vuitton was missing and returned for it.

According to the report, Rodríguez Suárez assured that he had handed the wallet to "another woman" who claimed it.

The security images

The account of the accusation is supported by surveillance footage from the restaurant. In the images, a waiter picks up the forgotten bag and hands it directly to the manager.

Seconds later, Rodríguez Suárez entered one of the establishment's restrooms with a briefcase in hand. The authorities did not specify how long he remained there, but this action was one of the key elements in the investigation.

The complete sequence would have been essential to support the charge of theft, as investigators claim that the woman did not follow the usual protocol for lost items and, instead, allegedly acted with the intention of keeping the client's belongings.

After the report and the review of the video material, Rodríguez Suárez was arrested and formally charged with theft.

During her appearance before a judge, a bail of $7,500 was set.

In restaurants, hotels, or stores, employees typically have specific instructions to log and safeguard lost items until their rightful owner can reclaim them.

When these protocols are breached, the responsibility falls directly on the personnel in charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Louis Vuitton Bag Theft Incident in Miami

What happened at the Coral Gables restaurant with the Louis Vuitton bag?

A restaurant manager, Janet Rodríguez Suárez, was arrested for the theft of a Louis Vuitton bag that a customer had forgotten when changing tables. The bag contained 900 dollars in cash, several credit cards, and personal items. Security cameras showed Rodríguez Suárez taking the bag to a bathroom, which was crucial for the theft charge.

What was the main evidence against Janet Rodríguez Suárez?

The main evidence was a surveillance video showing a waiter handing the bag to Rodríguez Suárez, who then entered a bathroom in the restaurant with it. This act, combined with the violation of the lost property protocol, provided the basis for the theft charge against him.

What steps should be taken in cases of lost objects in restaurants?

Employees must register and safeguard lost items until the legitimate owner can retrieve them. Failure to comply with these protocols may result in legal liabilities for the personnel involved.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.