An employee at a Fresco y Más supermarket in Homestead, located in the southwest of Miami-Dade, has been taken into custody and charged with orchestrating an organized fraud scheme that resulted in losses for the chain, as reported by Univision 23 Miami.
The accused, Maybel Alemán Alonso, aged 41, worked as a customer service associate at the store situated at 27359 South Dixie Highway. Her nationality has not yet been disclosed.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The investigation was initiated by Fresco y Más itself after suspicions arose regarding Alonso's involvement in activities causing financial losses to the store.
The fraud investigator for the chain scrutinized several days of surveillance camera footage to gather substantial evidence.
According to the arrest report, from July 15 to August 18, forty incidents of irregular transactions linked to Alonso were identified. These included failing to scan all items, conducting fraudulent transaction voids, and taking or consuming products without payment.
The report further states that Alonso allegedly voided transactions processed by other employees, leaving those sales uncollected.
The estimated loss for Fresco y Más is $486.44, as detailed in the police document.
Charges Against Alonso
Alonso was detained and moved to the TGK Correctional Center but was released on bail without needing to appear before a judge.
She faces charges of organized fraud involving $20,000 or less, classified as a third-degree felony under Florida Statutes § 817.034, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, she is charged with petty theft ranging from $100 to $750, considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
Community Reaction
Univision 23 Miami correspondent María Fernanda López reported live from the scene, capturing the sentiments of several regular shoppers.
One customer mentioned frequenting the store for years without any issues: "I've been coming to this store for about four or five years, and I've never had problems with anything or anyone. We always check what comes up on the machine, and everything has always been fine."
Another shopper expressed disappointment over the incident: "With so many people looking for jobs, it's disheartening to see those who have them doing things like this to harm the country."
Judicial Proceedings Ahead
Fresco y Más, a Hispanic supermarket chain founded in 2016 to serve Latino and Caribbean communities in South Florida, operates 28 stores and four pharmacies across the southern and central regions of the state.
Alonso was scheduled for a conference with the prosecutor this Thursday, where the judicial process was expected to proceed to the next stage.
Such cases are not unique to the metropolitan area. In April 2026, a Home Depot manager in Miami-Dade was arrested for an organized fraud scheme involving at least 4,500 orders with unauthorized discounts, resulting in significant financial losses for the company.
Understanding the Fraud Case at Fresco y Más
What charges does Maybel Alemán Alonso face?
Alonso faces charges of organized fraud involving $20,000 or less, a third-degree felony, and petty theft ranging from $100 to $750, a first-degree misdemeanor.
How did the fraud scheme operate at Fresco y Más?
The scheme involved failing to scan all items, conducting fraudulent transaction voids, and taking or consuming products without payment. Alonso also allegedly voided transactions handled by other employees.
What was the financial impact of the fraud on Fresco y Más?
The identified losses for Fresco y Más amounted to $486.44.