DORAL, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida woman is accused of stealing thousands from a man during tarot card readings and spiritual cleansings.
NBC affiliate WTVJ reported that Carmen Valdez De Miguel, 67, was arrested Monday on charges of organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and resisting an officer without violence.
An arrest report obtained by WTVJ shows that the victim found a flyer on his car for a tarot card reading and called the number on March 11.
The report said the man spoke with a woman and agreed to a tarot card reading session for $20.
Two days later, the man went to an apartment and met Valdez De Miguel, who reportedly referred to herself as Maria Rodriguez.
During the reading, Valdez De Miguel allegedly told the man he needed a "deeper spiritual cleansing procedure" that would cost between $600 and $700. He agreed to pay her a partial payment and transferred $200 through Zelle, the report said.
On March 14, the victim returned to Valdez De Miguel's apartment for a spiritual cleansing session. During the session, Valdez De Miguel asked the victim about his available bank balance. He told her he had $8,000 available.
The report said Valdez De Miguel asked the man to bring the full amount next time and assured him that if she used the money in a ritual, it would double, and she would return it the same day.
On March 19, the report said the victim returned to the apartment with $3,000 in cash. Valdez De Miguel performed a ritual and placed the money in a bag with eggs.
During the ritual, the bag was broken. When it was opened, all that was left inside were broken eggs and worms.
The victim told authorities that Valdez De Miguel appeared to be startled. When he asked for his money back, she claimed she couldn't do so "due to her state of mind." She told the man the money would be returned the next day.
The report said the victim contacted Valdez De Miguel several times, but she refused to return the money.
"She asserted that the funds were part of a ritual and could not be released until the candles extinguished on their own, despite having previously assured the victim that his money would be returned the same day," the report said.
On Monday, Valdez De Miguel was taken into custody. Officers said she was given the opportunity to return the money, but she claimed she didn't know the victim.
Authorities said Valdez De Miguel resisted being taken into custody and used a fake name during the arrest.
Investigators told WTVJ that Valdez De Miguel had three warrants in separate theft cases.
Valdez De Miguel appeared before a judge on Tuesday, who set her bond at $5,500.
"OK, I had a chance to review this very interesting arrest affidavit, which also makes one realize you should never respond to a flyer left on your vehicle for tarot card readings cause you don't know what's gonna happen, especially when you're asked to bring $3000 in cash, put the money in a bag with some eggs," Judge Mindy Glazer said. "This is bizarre."
