A duo of house cleaners in Coral Springs have been taken into custody following accusations of swiping valuables such as jewelry and cash from homeowners they serviced, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) reported today. Oscar German Munoz, 61, and Martha Cecilia Molano, 57, face charges related to burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft, with instances dating back to 2022.
During an investigation launched in April after a senior couple from the Yardley community in Tamarac noted the disappearance of their valuables, BSO detectives gathered surveillance footage showing Munoz and Molano waiting for the homeowners to exit, ascending the stairs with cleaning equipment, then exiting speedily, as detailed by Coral Springs Talk. BSO's search of the couple's residence on May 5 yielded hundreds of stolen items, including rings, necklaces, watches, earrings, gems, coins, and cash.
The duo is suspected of pawning the ill-gotten jewelry and then splurging on lavish international excursions, an operation that may have ensnared "dozens" of homes throughout Tamarac and potentially Palm Beach County, the investigation suggests. According to NBC Miami, authorities noticed a pattern in their burglaries, consistently exploiting the guise of house cleaning services to target elderly residents.
This ongoing case, uncovering an elaborate theft scheme implicating the trusted role of house cleaners, prompted the BSO to call on potential victims to come forward and reclaim their possessions with BSO Detective Danny Polo, per the details shared by Local 10 News. The authorities also cautioned the public, advising them to diligently verify the credibility of housecleaning services through checks of online reviews, confirming licensing and insurance, and obtaining references from the service providers.
Evidence is mounting in this case, and anyone with information or concerns about being victimized is urged to dial 954-720-2225 to connect with BSO representatives. The investigation into Munoz and Molano's operations remains active.
