Over the weekend, the Walton County, Florida Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a short-term rental property booked with a fraudulent credit card in Miramar Beach.
The property management company met deputies at the house Saint Francis Drive South where several subjects were located as they tried to flee out of the backdoor.
Multiple subjects were detained and questioned leading to the arrests of Raymond Gomez, 36, of DeFuniak Springs, and Trevone Fitzgerald, 23, of Crestview. Both are charged with felony defrauding an innkeeper and trespassing.
Jason Cooper, 27, of Fort Walton Beach was determined to be the subject who initially gained entry to the residence. Cooper was also charged with defrauding an innkeeper and trespassing.
Defrauding an innkeeper is when someone obtains food, lodging, or accommodations with the intent to avoid paying for them.
More than $6,500 in cash was located inside the home. All three were issued a $1,000 bond and have been released.
As we see an uptick in this type of criminal activity, we urge property managers and owners to stay vigilant.
Follow these tips:
Require guests to provide a photo ID during the booking process.
Use software to screen guests for potential risks, such as unusual booking patterns.
Include the terms and conditions of the rental, such as payment schedules and deposits.
