A Miami Lakes woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly orchestrating a “credit bust out” scheme involving a luxury Mercedes-Benz and a Land Rover.
Ledys Legra Garcia, 32, was arrested Monday and charged with organized fraud of $50,000 or more, first- and second-degree grand theft, obtaining a vehicle by trick, and providing false statements to obtain credit or property.
According to an arrest affidavit, a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GT 55 valued at $154,000 — registered to Garcia and her husband — was reported stolen on February 11 from a residence on Northwest 77th Place.
Months later, investigators discovered Garcia had filed an identity theft claim with the Federal Trade Commission, alleging she had been the victim of fraud and that the purchase of the Mercedes was unauthorized. However, officials noted the identity theft was not reported until May — well after the vehicle had been reported stolen — and the FTC filing included a fabricated Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office report to support the claim.
Further investigation revealed Garcia had also obtained a 2024 Land Rover Defender worth over $58,000 using similar fraudulent tactics consistent with a “credit bust out” operation. Authorities explained this type of fraud typically involves either rapid multiple vehicle purchases before credit reports are updated, or manipulation of credit data to hide negative history.
“Ms. Garcia filed a false identity theft report to erase her financial liability to Mercedes Financial and falsified income and employment details to secure the Land Rover,” the report stated.
Garcia turned herself in on Monday and was booked into Miami-Dade County Jail. She appeared in court Tuesday, where her bond was set at $23,000.
Leave a Reply