MIAMI, FL – Miami police say a woman with a history of targeting men for high-value thefts is back in custody after she stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and cash by drugging her victims before burglarizing their residences.
Angelina Chenel Esty, 25, faces new charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling and grand theft after authorities allege she masterminded a theft in early August at a Brickell Bay Drive apartment. Police reports state that Esty, along with an unidentified accomplice, met two men at a downtown bar before accompanying them back to their apartment in the early hours of Aug. 9.
According to investigators, one resident later awoke with little memory of the night and realized his $20,000 Rolex, $4,000 in cash, and a friend’s $1,000 replica Rolex had vanished. The stolen goods were allegedly taken while the men were unconscious, fueling suspicions that they had been drugged.
Surveillance video at the bar captured Esty and her suspected accomplice interacting with the men before leaving together, authorities said. The primary victim later identified Esty from a police photo lineup. Police say the theft went beyond valuables, with an unauthorized $500 Cash App transaction surfacing on one of the victim’s accounts shortly after the incident.
The recent arrest is not Esty’s first brush with law enforcement. Officials describe her as a repeat offender, pointing to previous cases in which she reportedly used similar tactics. In May, she surrendered to police in Doral following investigations into three related incidents dating back to March.
In the first of those cases, a man claimed that after meeting Esty at a well-known nightclub on March 10, he invited her to his residence. After consuming a drink provided by Esty, the man allegedly became ill and lost consciousness, only to discover his Rolex had disappeared along with his guest.
Another incident on March 22 followed a familiar pattern. Two women, including Esty, reportedly accompanied a man from the same bar to his apartment, drank with him, and made off with an $11,000 Rolex, $8,000 in cash, and designer sunglasses while he slept. A purse left at the scene reportedly contained Esty’s identification, linking her directly to the crime.
A third report, filed on April 21, details a man’s encounter with Esty at a Miami Beach hotel. After inviting her to his room and accepting a drink, the victim passed out and later found his $20,000 luxury watch and a $10,000 diamond bracelet missing.
Esty is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bond set at $5,000 following a recent court appearance. Her next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 24, when she is expected to be formally arraigned.
Authorities continue to investigate the scope of Esty’s alleged activities, urging the public to exercise caution when meeting new acquaintances in social settings. Investigators are working to determine whether additional victims may have been targeted in similar schemes in the Miami metropolitan area.
No further details about the unidentified accomplice have been released, and officials have not announced additional arrests related to the investigation.