Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Idling Rolls-Royce Ghost from Valet
It may have been the easiest Rolls-Royce theft in history, according to local news reports: when the owner of a Ghost dropped his $400,000 luxury car off with a valet, another man allegedly just walked up, climbed inside and drove off with the vehicle.
According to a report from NBC 6 South Florida, Rolls-Royce owner Jonathan Sanchez left his car running in the valet area of the Paraiso Bayviews condominiums where he lives in Miami, Florida on Sunday, telling the valet at the luxury building to keep an eye on it while he ran upstairs to grab his wallet. That's when police say the suspect, 36-year-old James Brown, walked up to the vehicle, said, 'This is my car,' sat down in the driver's seat and drove off.
According to 7 News Miami, Sanchez called the cops, then headed to a police station, where a detective was able to contact Rolls-Royce and have them track down the car. He and a friend then drove around until they spotted the vehicle at a Shell gas station less than three miles away.
Sanchez and his friend then confronted the suspect, according to 7 News Miami, and the police arrived a short time later and took Brown into custody. He was booked into Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Center, and has been charged with grand theft vehicle, petty theft, and resisting an officer without violence.
Sanchez was able to retrieve his car, but it was reportedly damaged during the ordeal: He says the car was vandalized on the inside, and had been driven into a pole at the gas station several times.
Sanchez told NBC 6 South Florida that he's disappointed with the condo staff: "How does this happen? I gave you the car. You just let him get in the car and roll off? I'm furious, but what comes to mind first is just, do better," Sanchez said. 'Something so careless could have just been prevented by doing simple procedures.' Of course, one simple procedure that could have prevented the damage is something Sanchez could have done himself: to not leave an unlocked Rolls-Royce unattended with the engine running.
You Might Also Like
You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox
Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners
The Man Who Signs Every Car
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Nevada couple allegedly promised dozens of victims eye-popping returns on luxury car, boat deals in $57M scam
A Las Vegas couple promised investors eye-popping returns on exotic cars and boats they claimed would be resold to wealthy buyers overseas, but the police now allege these buyers never existed. According to a 94-page arrest warrant obtained by 8 News Now, Jong Rhee, 45, and Neelufar Rhee, 34, were arrested on May 22, 2025 and are facing dozens of charges for setting up a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that allegedly netted $57 million through their businesses, Twisted Twins Motorsports and Lusso Auto Spa. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Investigators say the couple pitched investors on luxury vehicles and boats supposedly destined for high-paying clients in countries like Singapore, where import restrictions could supposedly generate enormous profits. In one case, Jong Rhee told investors a $57 million investment could yield $2.5 billion, but police say there's no evidence that any overseas buyers were ever contacted. Among the high-end items involved in the alleged scheme were luxury cars from Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Porsche, as well as a $3.9 million boat that Jong Rhee said he could sell for $13.5 million. One of the couple's extravagant claims allegedly involved a 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre valued at $526,000. Jong Rhee reportedly told investors that if they bought the car, Rhee could sell it for $7.5 million overseas. In another instance, the couple took a private jet to Missouri for a boating trip, claiming the vessel would be sold to one of Jong's international 'connections,' but police say the sale never happened. Detectives believe investor funds were instead used for personal luxuries and travel. The Rhees also attempted to purchase a bar and a home in Lake Havasu, Arizona and allegedly made trips to California using money from investors. The investigation culminated in an October 2024 search of the couple's $2-million home in Henderson, Nevada, where officers seized dozens of exotic vehicles. Police also uncovered text messages between the couple that detailed the pressure the Rhees were under due to 'mounting debts, delayed payments, and unreliable business partners,' according to 8 News Now. In a text from April 2025, Jong Rhee reportedly wrote, 'We r [sic] big trouble money.' Another message allegedly read, 'Right now, our lives are on the line.' By mid-2024, police say the couple became so desperate that Jong gambled their last $10,000 at the World Series of Poker, hoping for a big win to solve their financial troubles. 'Jong frequently gambled and played poker,' police wrote in the arrest warrant, adding that he often entered high-stakes tournaments that further strained the couple's finances. The Rhees are reportedly facing 78 charges that include money laundering, racketeering and forgery, 8 News Now reports. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it With fraudulent investment schemes on the rise, it's important to keep an eye out for any potential red flags when someone is attempting to talk you into an investment. For one, be skeptical if the salesperson asks for secrecy, or if they ask you to bring people you know into the investment. A legitimate professional won't ask you to keep secrets, nor will they request you to recruit additional investors. You should also watch out for investing in unregistered products or assets. Scammers might say an investment is exempt from registration, which, even if true, means the risks are much higher. Bad actors who operate outside industry rules and regulations are behind many financial scams, so make sure the seller of an investment product is also registered and legitimate. Like with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you protect your money by using some of the FBI's tips to avoid getting scammed: Before you dive into an investment opportunity, do your own research and don't just rely on the information that the salesperson provided for you. There's never a need to rush. If you're being pressured into an investment or told not to discuss a potential investment with others, that could be a red flag. There is never a guaranteed return on investment (ROI). All investments include some level of risk, so be weary of anyone who promises a guaranteed ROI. Don't respond to cold calls, text messages, emails or any other unsolicited contact that is either overly attractive or induces fear. It's not certain how many people were defrauded in the Las Vegas scheme, since some of the court records remain redacted. However, two other individuals — Crisfin Deguzman and John Baudhuin — are also facing charges related to the case. As for the Rhees, they've posted $100,000 bail and were due back in court June 9, 2025. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. - 'Earn trust' - The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists. du/ds/jxb
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Top Spanish ruling party official resigns over corruption case
A top official in Spain's ruling Socialist Party resigned on Thursday after being implicated in a widening corruption probe that has already ensnared the prime minister's former close aide. The case adds to mounting legal and political pressure on Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe's longest serving Socialist leaders whose inner circle faces several ongoing investigations. Santos Cerdan, the party's organisation secretary and its third-ranking figure, is suspected of being an accomplice in the alleged improper awarding of a public contract during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a newly published judicial report. "To defend the Socialist Party, to which this country owes so much, and to defend this government, I have decided to resign from all my positions," he said in a statement, adding he "never committed any illegal act". A judge said a police report "reveals the existence of consistent evidence" suggesting Cerdan acted in collusion with former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and his former adviser, Koldo Garcia Izaguirre, in exchange for financial gain. Cerdan has been invited to testify voluntarily before the Supreme Court on June 25. Due to his parliamentary immunity, he cannot be formally charged unless the court proceeds with further steps. "I am absolutely not afraid. I am completely certain that I will not be accused of corruption," he said earlier on Thursday as he arrived in parliament before stepping down. Lawmakers from the main opposition Popular Party (PP) greeted Cerdan in parliament with chants of "resignation". "If anyone had doubts that there was a mafia-like network behind the ruling party and the government, I suppose those doubts have now been dispelled," PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo told reporters. "This is unacceptable in a European Union country. A European prime minister wouldn't last 10 minutes after the revelations we've seen in recent weeks," he added. - 'Smear campaign' - Tens of thousands of people took part in a protest against Sanchez's government on Sunday in Madrid which was called by the PP. Abalos, who served as transport minister from 2018 to 2021 and was once a key figure in Sanchez's administration, is accused of receiving illegal commissions through business contracts. He faces charges of corruption, influence peddling and embezzlement. Abalos was dismissed from Sanchez's cabinet in 2021 and expelled from the Socialist Party earlier this year, but remains a member of parliament as an independent. His parliamentary immunity was lifted in January. During a court hearing in December, he denied receiving any kickbacks and maintained there were no irregularities. Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, and his brother, David Sanchez, are also the target of separate investigations for graft. And Spain's top prosecutor, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz who was appointed by Sanchez's government, is facing a possible trial over suspicions he leaked secret case files concerning the partner of Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the powerful conservative leader of the Madrid region. The Spanish prime minister has dismissed the probes against members of his inner circle as part of a "smear campaign" carried out by the right wing to undermine his government. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his PP predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals affecting involving the conservative party. Most recent polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists. mig-mdm/ds/giv
