Corona, CA – A man named Sebastian Flores was arrested on February 26 after being linked to an elaborate vehicle fraud scheme in which a victim was defrauded out of $23,000. According to the Corona Police Department, the victim found a vehicle listed on Craigslist and, after reviewing what appeared to be legitimate DMV paperwork, paid the seller the agreed amount. However, the victim later discovered that the registration documents were fraudulent.
Investigators learned that the suspect had initially rented the vehicle through the Turo app and later forged the title to make it appear legitimate. The victim, working with law enforcement, arranged a meeting with the suspect after finding another suspicious listing online. When Sebastian Flores arrived to meet the victim, he was detained without incident.
A sergeant attempted to clarify Flores’ story, which he claimed involved traveling from Pomona to Corona simply for a Starbucks coffee and croissant. The conversation was captured on video, with the sergeant questioning, “So you’re staying in Pomona, and you live in Arizona, and you went to Corona just to get Starbucks?” Flores replied, “Yeah.”
A records check revealed that Flores had an active felony warrant for conspiracy and auto theft. Additionally, evidence found in the vehicle indicated that fraudulent paperwork was involved.
At the scene, police also stopped a second vehicle that was believed to have arrived with Flores. The driver, identified as Lasso Floris, was also arrested for an outstanding felony warrant related to trafficking stolen vehicles.
Both suspects were taken to the Corona Police Department and booked on multiple felony charges, including auto theft, fraud, and conspiracy. Both have extensive criminal records for similar crimes, and police suspect there may be other victims.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have been victimized by either suspect to contact their local law enforcement agency. They also reminded the public to verify vehicle documentation with the DMV before finalizing any transactions.
