A Miami Shores businessman accused of running an online boat-sales fraud has been pulled from Miami-Dade custody, moved into federal immigration control, and flown to a detention center in Texas, investigators say. The cross-country transfer has alleged buyers on edge, especially those who say they wired tens of thousands of dollars and now worry that a possible deportation could make it even tougher to get their money or any seized equipment back.
ICE custody and transfer
According to WSVN, Opa-locka police booked 43-year-old Ricardo Ulrich Deuker on 25 felony counts, including 13 counts of organized fraud and 12 counts of grand theft, before an ICE hold came into play. Deuker, who has gone by the name Ric Ruthenberg, was then transferred from the Miami-Dade jail to the Port Isabel Detention Center in Texas and may face deportation.
How the alleged scheme unfolded
Investigators say Deuker ran an Opa-locka business called Up Boats LLC that took payments for custom carbon-fiber tenders and then failed to deliver the vessels, according to Local 10. Reporting shows that multiple buyers sent payments ranging from roughly $9,500 up to more than $33,600, only to be left empty-handed when, they say, communication from the seller suddenly stopped and refunds never arrived.
Prosecution plans and restitution worries
WSVN reports that the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has filed paperwork with ICE asking that Deuker be returned to Miami to face the charges so victims have a better shot at restitution. Some alleged victims told investigators they are concerned that if Deuker is deported, he could leave the country along with seized tools and equipment that might otherwise be used to help repay those who say they lost money.
What to do if you were affected
Anyone who believes they were caught up in the scheme is being urged to file a complaint with Opa-Locka Police or the State Attorney’s Office, according to the city police page. The city lists a non-emergency phone number for Opa-Locka Police on its website for people who want to report losses or ask questions about the ongoing investigation.
