MIAMI – A man and woman are facing serious charges after Miami police say they lured a man to an apartment near the city’s Riverside area, beat him, held him at gunpoint and demanded money.
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Yanira Maria Denton, 32, and Carlos Rosa-Mendez, 24, were taken into custody on Thursday after police said they responded to an emergency call at an apartment in the 900 block of Southwest Fifth Street.
Jail records show both suspects are facing one count each of armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and kidnapping.
According to an arrest report, the victim told officers he had arranged to meet Denton, an acquaintance he knew as “Gola,” at her apartment to hang out and have drinks.
Once inside the bedroom, the man said he was suddenly attacked from behind by Rosa-Mendez, who punched him several times before grabbing a gun from a nightstand and pointing it at him, the report stated.
The victim told police that Rosa-Mendez demanded his belongings while Denton stood by, according to authorities. Fearing for his life, the man handed over his wallet, which contained $125 in cash, his driver’s license and credit cards, police said.
They said Denton allegedly told the man that the payment wasn’t enough and instructed him to Zelle her $300 while Rosa-Mendez continued to hold him at gunpoint and prevented him from leaving.
After the transfer, police said the suspects allegedly demanded more money. The victim asked to make a phone call to get additional funds.
At some point during the call, they said the pair allowed the man to leave. Before he exited the apartment, Rosa-Mendez ripped a gold chain with a cross pendant off the victim’s neck and took his car keys, the report stated.
The victim called 911 after getting out of the apartment.
When officers arrived, police said both suspects were still inside. Authorities attempted to call them out for several hours before they eventually surrendered and were taken into custody.
According to police, the victim positively identified Rosa-Mendez during a show-up. They said he had visible injuries to his face and neck consistent with his statements.
Detectives said Rosa-Mendez invoked his right to remain silent and requested an attorney during questioning. The victim’s identity was not disclosed.
As of Friday, both Denton and Rosa-Mendez remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Denton is being held without bond, while Rosa-Mendez’s bond was listed as “to be set,” according to jail records.
Records show that Denton was also previously arrested in an unrelated case on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and violation of probation.
