A Miami-based Cuban man was arrested this Monday, accused of misappropriating a car and thousands of dollars that a client had entrusted to him for the vehicle's shipping to Cuba. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) arrest report accessed by Telemundo 51, the suspect has been identified as 53-year-old Carlos Ravelo.
The victim, named Yosvani Leva Cabrera, visited the AutosPremier Finance office on July 16, located at 7301 NW 61st Street. During this visit, he met with Ravelo to arrange for the vehicle's export to Cuba. Cabrera signed a contract stipulating an $8,000 shipping cost and handed over the cash, along with the car title and keys, to Ravelo. Surveillance footage captured Ravelo counting the money in front of the victim.
On July 27, Cabrera was informed that the car had been stolen from the AutosPremier Finance lot. A month later, he met Ravelo again, who refunded $5,000 in cash and claimed he had "sold the car." Cabrera then formally reported the incident to the police, and during a photo lineup, he identified Ravelo as the perpetrator of the scam, according to the investigators.
The police report notes that Ravelo conducted the transaction within the premises of AutosPremier Finance, though it remains unclear whether the company was aware of or approved the operation. On October 6, MDSO officers apprehended the Cuban man at a residence on SW 17th Street, Miami, and took him to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK).
Ravelo appeared in court this Tuesday, facing charges of grand vehicle theft and third-degree theft. Judge Mindy Glazer reduced his bail to $2,500, considering he had returned part of the funds, and ordered him to stay away from the victim.
During the hearing, it was disclosed that Ravelo was on probation for a prior case, leading to a probation hold, as reported by Telemundo 51. Back in 2023, Ravelo was arrested and charged with several counts of grand theft related to vehicle transactions. At the time, he allegedly orchestrated a scheme defrauding over $110,000 from clients through purported car sales. He had previously worked as a financial manager at the AutoNation Honda Miami Lakes dealership in Hialeah from 2021 to 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami Vehicle Theft Case
Who was arrested in the Miami vehicle theft case?
Carlos Ravelo, a 53-year-old Cuban man, was arrested in connection with the theft.
What were the charges against Carlos Ravelo?
Ravelo faced charges of grand vehicle theft and third-degree theft.
What was the role of AutosPremier Finance in the incident?
The transaction took place at AutosPremier Finance, but it is unclear if the company was aware of or authorized the dealings.