A 26-year-old Cuban man, who was homeless and working at Walmart, was taken into custody in Miami-Dade after admitting to police that he committed fraud in the store to afford lodging at a motel.
The individual, identified as Lázaro Miranda Alonso, was employed at the Walmart Supercenter located in Doral. According to the police report accessible to Local 10, Miranda Alonso used his access to the cash register to perform fake returns without any actual purchase taking place.
Authorities highlighted that surveillance cameras recorded the young man processing refunds without any customers present and without receiving any merchandise. To carry out the scam, he used other shoppers' receipts to load funds onto gift cards or pocket cash.
The report states that Miranda Alonso illicitly obtained a total of $857.46.
The arrest occurred on Monday evening within the store itself, and he was subsequently taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he was booked the same day.
Miranda Alonso is facing seven charges, including organized fraud and third-degree grand theft, along with multiple allegations for using fake receipts to request refunds. His bail has been set at $5,500.
Key Details About the Incident
What fraudulent activities did Lázaro Miranda Alonso commit?
He conducted fake refunds by using receipts from other customers, processing them without real purchases, and either loaded funds onto gift cards or kept cash.
Where did the arrest take place?
The arrest happened at the Walmart Supercenter in Doral, Miami, and he was later transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
What charges is Miranda Alonso facing?
He is facing seven charges, including organized fraud and third-degree grand theft, as well as allegations tied to the use of fake receipts for refunds.