Two Miami Beach Men Arrested for Posing as Rideshare Drivers to Rob Tourists
MIAMI BEACH — Two men accused of posing as rideshare drivers to rob intoxicated tourists in Miami Beach’s Entertainment District were arrested and face multiple charges, police said Friday.
Fevry Gentillon, 43, and Kerbert Jean, 56, were taken into custody by the Miami Beach Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. They are being held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after their Friday court appearance.
According to police, Gentillon and Jean targeted inebriated individuals, luring them into their vehicle under the guise of providing a safe ride. Once inside, the suspects reportedly drove their victims to various locations across the city, robbing them, sometimes at gunpoint. Police said both men worked as legitimate cab drivers during the day and allegedly posed as rideshare drivers at night to commit these crimes.
Detectives shared details of one incident that reportedly took place earlier this month near Washington Avenue and 11th Street, where surveillance footage showed a victim entering the suspects’ vehicle outside Twist nightclub. The victim, a tourist, later corroborated police statements about the suspects’ actions.
“They’re cab drivers by day and pose as rideshare drivers during these crimes,” Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bee said. “Once victims get into the vehicle, they are driven to different locations throughout the city and robbed at gunpoint.”
Police reported that one victim woke up in a Brickell hotel after being transported there without their knowledge or consent. Detectives identified and apprehended Gentillon and Jean through extensive investigative efforts by the MBPD’s Robbery Unit.
The two defendants are charged with armed robbery with a firearm, strong-arm robbery, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, organized scheme to defraud, identity theft, unlawful possession of a credit or debit card, fraudulent use of a credit card, and grand theft in the third degree.
During the court session, Judge Mindy Glazed noted an additional alleged incident in which Gentillon was involved, where an intoxicated tourist entered an unknown vehicle near South Beach’s Fifth Street area.
In response to these incidents, police have advised visitors to exercise caution when calling for rideshares, urging them to verify the driver, vehicle make and model, and license plate before getting into a vehicle.
“These incidents are taken with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety of Miami Beach residents and visitors alike.”
Police suspect there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Miami Beach Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 305-673-7945.
