Police: Man Arrested For Buying, Selling Stolen Items Out Of Illegal Pawn Shop
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade police arrested a man allegedly buying and selling stolen items out of what authorities called an illegal pawn shop.
William Vega Jr. appeared in bond court Wednesday, accused of acting as a fence for thieves peddling stolen property.
"They steal the cellphones… they break into cars, to a home, and were taking property to his business to sell it to him," explained Det. Sandra Valdes.
Police recovered over 200 items – such as iPads, iPhones and laptops – at the World Wireless Mobile located at 8290 N Miami Avenue.
Detectives said Vegas operated kind of like a pawn shop, but wasn't licensed as such.
Vega's lawyer tried to explain Vega was exchanging cash and other electronics of equal value meaning it wasn't a sale.
"What exchange? He sold it to somebody for a cellphone and $140," the judge said in bond court.
"That's an exchange judge. A good for another good," the lawyer replied.
The judge continued, "It is stolen property. You know what? That's probable cause for dealing in stolen property."
"Judge, what is the objection?" the lawyer asked.
"Excuse me counsel, you don't like it, take it to the appellate court," the judge said.
Vega is facing a number of charges, including dealing in stolen property and prohibited acts in a pawnshop.
The judge set bail at $14,000 and put a hold on Vega as he was out of jail on probation.
Police are asking those who believe they were a victim of Vega or recognize the items pictured above as their own to contact authorities at (305) 835-4055.
