The Miami Police Department has urged the public to step forward with any information after arrests and shocking allegations have surfaced against a local ride-share driver. According to reports by Local 10 and CBS News Miami, Danny Estalin Maurad-Avecillas, 49, was initially detained on charges including fraudulent use of a credit card and possession of identification but now faces graver accusations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Maurad-Avecillas was purportedly operating under the guise of a legitimate ride-share driver, preying on women at late hours. The incidents have prompted a larger probe as Maurad-Avecillas seems to have systemically lured and, possibly, to have drugged and assaulted several victims. "She then told police that she was visiting from California with her two male friends," as per the arrest affidavit reported by CBS News Miami. A victim was found with no memory of the prior night's events, pain in her pelvic area, and missing funds.
Miami-Dade correctional officers booked Maurad-Avecillas after his arrest earlier in February. In bond court, a judge denied him bond as he now stands accused of serious crimes extending beyond his original fraud charges. The Miami PD gathered evidence through CCTV, which placed the suspect with one of the victims on the night of the alleged assault. As per the same affidavit mentioned by CBS News Miami, a motel attendant observed the victim's distressed state when the suspect used her credit card for the room payment.
Detectives are now asking other potential victims to bravely come forward, in an effort to fully unravel the extent of these heinous acts. "A woman told a Miami-Dade judge on Friday in bond court that Danny Maurad had drugged, kidnapped, battered, and robbed her in Miami," according to the statement obtained by Local 10. Maurad-Avecillas was driving a silver or black sports utility vehicle when committing these alleged offenses, heightening the need for public assistance and alertness.
For those with information about these crimes or victims seeking to report similar experiences, contact detectives at 305-603-6300, 305-579-6111, or via email at [email protected]. Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers can also be reached at 305-471-8477, providing a channel for anonymous tips that could assist law enforcement in bringing justice for the affected women and potentially halting further victimization by predatory individuals posing as ride-share drivers.
