This week, Miami-Dade police apprehended Learsis Flores Martínez, a 46-year-old Cuban national, in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme exceeding $300,000.
The Organized Crime Unit of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) reported that Flores Martínez allegedly used a fake driver's license to impersonate the owner of a vacant lot in Southwest Ranches in order to execute a fraudulent mortgage transaction.
Arrested on Monday, the Cuban faces four charges: first-degree grand theft, organized fraud, mortgage fraud, and possession of a fake driver's license, according to local media reports.
The arrest report details that the incident took place on June 10, 2024, during the closing of a transaction at Land View Title Service. Here, Flores Martínez is said to have submitted phony documents, securing a $325,000 mortgage from a private lender.
Authorities stated that he subsequently instructed Land View Title Service to wire $294,151 to a Chase Bank account registered to a company in the name of the actual landowner. Flores Martínez had control over this account and manipulated the funds through transfers, Zelle payments, and cash withdrawals.
The private lender filed a fraud claim with First American Title Insurance Company, which insures Land View Titles, prompting a report to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
Following an investigation, police arrested the suspect at his apartment in the southwestern part of Miami-Dade County.
Flores Martínez is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bail set at $260,000.
Common Questions About Mortgage Fraud in Miami-Dade
What charges is Learsis Flores Martínez facing?
Learsis Flores Martínez is facing charges including first-degree grand theft, organized fraud, mortgage fraud, and possession of a fake driver's license.
How did Flores Martínez allegedly commit the mortgage fraud?
He allegedly used a fake driver's license to impersonate a landowner and fraudulently secured a $325,000 mortgage, then directed the funds to an account he controlled.
What actions did the private lender take following the fraud?
The private lender filed a fraud claim with First American Title Insurance Company, which led to the case being reported to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.