Katherine Coromoto AnguloRivera, 27, from South Florida, is accused of running a sophisticated scam that specifically targeted elderly residents in the Flagami neighborhood of Miami, leading to the theft of jewelry and valuables worth tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the Miami Police Department, AnguloRivera used deceptive tactics disguised as legitimate offers to exploit vulnerable seniors. One such tactic involved offering to purchase spare items like frames or copper, and once inside the victims’ homes, she would perform a sleight-of-hand trick to steal their valuables.
In a detailed incident on NW 2nd Street, AnguloRivera allegedly convinced a victim to let her clean their jewelry, worth approximately $48,500. After placing the jewelry in a container and covering it with a napkin, she poured a blue liquid over the items, instructing the victim to wait for an hour to retrieve the “cleaned” pieces. However, upon removing the napkin, the jewelry was gone, and AnguloRivera had fled the scene.
Police said a similar scam occurred on SW 2nd Terrace, where she used the same trick after offering to buy copper from another elderly victim. This resulted in additional stolen valuables. Authorities estimate that the total losses from multiple incidents amount to approximately $50,000, though further calculations are ongoing.
Following an investigation involving victim statements, neighborhood canvassing, and surveillance footage, detectives from the Miami Police Department’s Burglary Unit located AnguloRivera during a critical traffic stop near Biscayne Boulevard and 38th Street. She was arrested and later interviewed by investigators.
AnguloRivera faces charges of grand theft, burglary, and organized scheme to defraud, with more charges potentially being added as the investigation continues.
Miami Police Chief Morales condemned the crime, saying, “This suspect preyed on the kindness and vulnerability of our elderly residents with a calculated and heartless scheme.” Authorities are urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers for home services and to verify the identity of anyone requesting entry to their homes.
AnguloRivera was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following her arrest for processing.
