A 20-year-old Cuban woman, Esther María Torres, has been sentenced to a five-year probation period after admitting to using pepper spray on tourists in Miami Beach hotels to steal their luxury watches and other valuable items. Torres, who resides in Miami-Dade's Overtown neighborhood, was apprehended last May. She initially faced two charges of first-degree robbery, identified as the woman caught on surveillance cameras leaving two upscale hotels in the vibrant tourist city following the thefts.
According to local police reports, her method involved temporarily blinding her victims by spraying them with pepper spray, allowing her to escape with their belongings. Just last Wednesday, a plea deal was reached, resulting in a guilty verdict for armed robbery, burglary, and third-degree grand theft, culminating in the five-year probation sentence, as reported by the media.
Details of the Robberies
The first incident took place on March 26 at the Breakwater Hotel, where a foreign tourist was sprayed with pepper spray and had his Hugo Boss watch and wallet, containing over $200 in cash, euros, and several credit cards, stolen, according to police records. Four days later, a similar event occurred at the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel. In this instance, the assailant used the same tactic, pepper spraying a man and taking his $22,000 Rolex Submariner.
The police investigation revealed that the second attack happened after the suspect entered the victim's hotel room. In mid-April, law enforcement stopped a vehicle linked to one of the thefts. Torres arrived at the scene and was identified through her driver's license.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
In May, authorities confirmed her involvement in the hotel attacks based on a flyer image distributed to the public labeled "seeking identification." She was arrested on the 15th of that month. Footage from a police body camera, released by Local 10 News, documented her arrest. Torres was accompanied by a child, presumably her son, in the vehicle when detained. An officer inquired if she had any weapons, to which she responded, "No, no."
Following her appearance in Miami-Dade County court, a judge initially ordered her to remain in custody without bail; however, she was eventually granted release at the trial's conclusion. Miami police have noted a rising trend in cases involving women targeting tourists in luxury hotels using similar methods.
Additional Related Cases
In May, another woman, 23-year-old Rachel Marie Warner from Las Vegas, was arrested. Warner allegedly used drugs to incapacitate her victims during encounters and then stole their valuables. Authorities have repeatedly urged visitors to exercise caution when forming connections with strangers, especially in private spaces such as hotel rooms.
Understanding Tourist Safety and Crime in Miami Beach
What was Esther María Torres's method of robbery?
Esther María Torres used pepper spray to temporarily blind her victims in Miami Beach hotels, allowing her to steal their luxury items and escape.
What was the outcome of Torres's legal case?
Torres was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to armed robbery, burglary, and third-degree grand theft.
Are similar crimes common in Miami Beach?
Yes, Miami police have noted an increase in cases involving women using similar tactics to rob tourists in luxury hotels.
What precautions should tourists take in Miami Beach?
Authorities advise tourists to be cautious when interacting with strangers, particularly in private settings like hotel rooms, to ensure their safety and protect their valuables.