In a concerning case of privacy violation, a former Starbucks barista in Doral is facing criminal charges after allegedly stealing a coworker's cellphone and using it to send himself explicit images. According to Local 10 News, Benjamin Alvarez, 25, was arrested outside his parents' home by Doral police after a colleague reported him for taking her phone and appropriating her sexual images without consent.
The incident, which seems to have occurred during a shift at the Starbucks located at 1380 NW 87 Ave., came to light when Alvarez reportedly admitted to the theft after his colleague discovered her missing phone. Alvarez did not immediately to have face consequences for his actions, though he reportedly had a history of taking possession of coworkers' phones. The victim, who left her phone charging in the manager's office, told police she unwittingly gave Alvarez the password to her phone when he asked for her birth year.
CBS News Miami detailed that another coworker had indicated Alvarez as a suspect, noting that phones often went missing when he was at work. After recovering her phone, the victim noticed deleted messages, and upon recovery, found that nude photographs and videos showing her face had been sent to Alvarez's number.
Arrested on Tuesday, Alvarez is being charged with sexual cyber harassment, grand theft, offense against an electronic device, and resisting an officer without violence. He was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Cristina Miranda to preside over the upcoming case. Following his court appearance, Alvarez was ordered by a judge to stay away altogether from the victim.
The investigation into Alvarez's conduct continues. Anyone with further information related to the case or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Doral Police Department.
