Miami-Dade correctional officers booked Danny Estalin Maurad-Avecillas, also known as Maurad, shortly after 3:05 a.m. on Friday. By Saturday evening, he was detained at the Metrowest Detention Center in Doral, according to county inmate records.
The Suspect
Maurad, a 49-year-old ride-share driver, was initially arrested on fraud charges but is now facing more severe allegations. Miami Police have connected him to a series of incidents involving women who were allegedly targeted, lured into his vehicle, intoxicated, robbed, and possibly sexually assaulted.
The Investigation
The investigation by Miami PD involves a ride-share driver using a “silver or black SUV.” Detectives have gathered evidence, including CCTV footage, which shows Maurad-Avecillas with the victims at various locations, including a motel where one victim awoke with no memory of the previous night’s events.
The Victims
One reported victim, visiting from California, recounted leaving a bar in South Beach and waking up naked in a motel. She had bruises and pain in her pelvic area, and $240 was missing from her purse. The victim’s friend had warned her that she was entering the wrong vehicle, but she did not heed the warning.
Background and Context
This case emerges amid broader concerns about the safety of ride-share services. Miami-Dade Police have warned about the risks of fake ride-share drivers, especially during busy travel times like Memorial Day weekend. They have been cracking down on unlicensed solicitors to protect consumers.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Maurad-Avecillas is facing serious charges, including sexual assault allegations. The Miami Police Department is urging anyone with information or who may have been a victim of a similar crime to come forward.
The Miami-Dade Police Department continues to investigate the case, and further details may emerge as the legal process unfolds.