A 48-year-old Georgia man, Octavius Lamar Dozier, has been apprehended and accused of hawking counterfeit tickets during a Copa America soccer match held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. According to NBC Miami, Dozier's arrest took place on June 29 after a police detective, working a Homeland Security detail, was informed of individuals trying to enter the venue with falsified tickets.
During the Argentina-Peru game, Dozier allegedly sold the sham tickets right outside the stadium, hoodwinking fans eager to witness the live match. As per the arrest report from Miami-Dade police and mentioned by Local10, fans spent between $100 to $300 for tickets, later discovered to be invalid at entry gates. Dozier is currently being held on a $7,500 bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, facing charges that include organized scheme to defraud and the fraudulent creation or possession of an admission ticket.
The incident came to light when multiple groups of disgruntled fans were being separated by officers, struggling with the truth of their worthless admissions. "All of the victims identified Dozier as the person who sold them the fake tickets," states the arrest report. Following the detainment, Dozier fell ill and was subsequently transported to Jackson North Medical Center for an evaluation.
Post-arrest and after the waiving of his Miranda rights, Dozier pointed a finger at an individual known as "Dolla," claiming he was the actual scam artist while admitting to being present during the transactions. "Dolla," who remains unidentified by police and for whom no other arrests have been reported, allegedly interacting with the victims and then slipped away on foot, reported by Dozier in interviews with investigators, according to NBC Miami.
