Deputies Arrest Two For Benefit Account Fraud
The suspects were caught using compromised account information to purchase merchandise in Doral.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Miami-Dade sheriff's deputies arrested Romario Stewart and Myrthland Ince for benefit account fraud at a Doral Sam's Club. The pair allegedly used re-encoded debit cards to steal merchandise worth more than $2,700.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of identity theft involving specialized benefit accounts. Law enforcement continues to target those using illicitly obtained personal information to defraud retail stores and individual benefit programs.
Romario Stewart and Myrthland Ince face multiple charges including grand theft and fraudulent use of identification. Both individuals are currently held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The players
Romario Stewart
He is a suspect arrested by Miami-Dade deputies in connection with a retail benefit account fraud scheme.
Myrthland Ince
He is a suspect currently held in the Miami-Dade jail following an investigation into the use of re-encoded debit cards.
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency holds jurisdiction over the arrests and the investigative process in this case.
The details
Authorities apprehended the suspects after conducting surveillance at a Sam's Club in Doral, where they attempted to use re-encoded debit cards at self-checkout registers. Investigators recovered 10 re-encoded cards during the arrest, which were used to obtain items including 20 containers of Tide detergent, 18 packages of Café Bustelo, and 70 packages of Spam.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Romario Stewart and Myrthland Ince were arrested at a Doral Sam's Club.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the 2024 Florida retail theft crackdowns by prioritizing the pursuit of individuals using re-encoded payment cards to target regional retailers. These arrests reflect ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat sophisticated financial fraud through active surveillance and store-level partnerships.
Local shoppers at large retail chains may see increased surveillance measures as stores collaborate with law enforcement to prevent re-encoded card usage. Residents are reminded to monitor their own benefit account statements for any unauthorized activity.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to refine their self-checkout security protocols to detect the use of unauthorized or re-encoded payment methods. Protecting your personal identification information remains a vital step in preventing misuse of your private benefit accounts.
Further reading
For more on how local authorities monitor Financial Crime, visit our dedicated section.
Live Poll
Do you trust local authorities to effectively prevent benefit account fraud in your community?
