Miami-Dade Fraud Case: Men Posed as Brokers to Scam Renters

In a disturbing turn of events, a fraud case involving two men masquerading as real estate brokers has captivated the attention of the Miami-Dade bond court. The court session on Saturday included multiple alleged victims confronting one of the suspects via Zoom, leading the presiding judge to express serious concerns about a potentially widespread scam.

Suspects Identified: Joshua Harrison and Jose Lopez

Key Details:

• Joshua Jeshurun Harrison, 37, from Miami
• Jose Adolfo Lopez, 29, from Chicago

Harrison appeared in court just two days after being accused by South Miami police of defrauding a woman out of $1,800 by falsely promising assistance in securing a new apartment.

Allegations from Victims

During the court proceedings, several victims shared harrowing accounts of how they were manipulated by Harrison. One woman implored Judge Stephanie Silver to deny bond, stating, "We beg you not to let him out on bond — he has scammed many victims."

Another victim recounted her experience, revealing, “Joshua Harrison scammed my roommate out of $6,000 in Atlanta. He’s running a ring.”

Additional Victim Statements:

• Jada, a victim, said: “I was scammed out of money and a place to live. He promised to help me and my friends, then left us on the street.”
• A woman described being defrauded of $2,300 in Miami, while another said her international student roommates lost nearly $10,000.

One victim concluded passionately, “He has money for bond because he’s scammed so many people.”

Judge Expresses Concerns

Judge Silver raised pressing concerns during the hearing. She indicated that the allegations against Harrison suggested a well-organized scheme, stating, “He is definitely a risk to the community… He is not getting out anytime soon.” She also suggested that the FBI be involved in the investigation.

Charges Filed Against Harrison

Harrison now faces multiple felony charges across four active criminal cases:

• Communications Fraud ($300 or more)
• Third-Degree Grand Theft
• Acting as a Real Estate Broker Without a License
• Organized Fraud ($20,000 or less)

His total bond was set at an astounding $1.25 million, with the judge additionally mandating Level 1 house arrest and restricting internet access.

Method of Operation

Authorities suggest that Harrison used platforms like Instagram and Zelle to orchestrate his scams. Reports state that he adopted the alias “Joshua Herrera,” where he befriended victims, promised them housing, and then disappeared after receiving their money.

Case Example

One notable instance involved a woman who initially contacted Harrison at the Empire Lounge. After being convinced to end her current lease based on his promises, she found herself locked out of her Airbnb, having been misled about its ownership.

Call for Additional Victims

Both Harrison and Lopez were initially arrested on charges of fraud, grand theft, and operating without a real estate license. Authorities are concerned there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the South Miami police at 305-663-6301 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Conclusion

As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of vigilance when dealing with potential rental transactions. The Miami-Dade community waits to see how the judicial system will respond to these alarming fraud allegations, with many hoping for justice and accountability.

For more information on how to protect yourself from rental scams, visit Nolo.com.