A scam that nearly took a bite out of a West Palm Beach restaurant’s wallet was crunched by law enforcement as three South Florida women, allegedly led by a faux-tooth victim, were caught red-handed by undercover detectives. In a sting that sounds straight out of a crime novel, these women were busted in the act as they anticipated a hefty $6,000 settlement for dental damages that never happened, authorities said.
Ann Miller, Sheila Miller, and Mary Steimberg concocted an elaborate ruse involving a rock ostensibly found in a salad at Avocado Grill. According to NBC Miami, the scam began back in September when Ann, masquerading as Elaine Sanders, feigned a tooth injury. This allegedly damaged enamel birthed a fraudulent invoice for almost $9,000 in dental work.
The falsified bill was supposedly issued from Coral Dental Care in Coral Springs. However, law enforcement smelled something fishy, and the owner of the dental practice quickly confirmed the invoice was a fabrication. "While HIPAA prevents us from disclosing whether someone is a patient or not, we asked for a copy of the invoice to determine the validity of the claim," the dental practice owner stated, as reported by NBC Miami. He advised the restaurant to notify the authorities of the suspected con job.
Detectives created their playbook, flipping the script on the trio. On September 27, undercover cops posing as restaurant personnel called the women back to the scene of the supposed crime to deliver their payout. Instead, as Local 10 News detailed, a detective met with them, and their rendezvous concluded with handcuffs rather than cash. "The lead detective on this case assumed the role of the restaurant owner, greeted the women and met with them at the restaurant," recounted West Palm Beach police spokesperson Mike Jachles.
Investigators found no evidence to support the alleged dental distress. Now, the Millers and Steimberg are biting off more than they can chew facing charges including grand theft and fraud. Local authorities urge anyone else potentially hoodwinked by these scammers to come forward and contact the West Palm Beach Police Department. In South Florida's dining scene, the only thing these women will be sampling now is the flavor of justice.
