BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives say a pair of house cleaners accused of stealing from elderly and affluent clients may have targeted “dozens” of homes, and they’re asking for any additional victims to come forward.
BSO displayed some of the recovered stolen items on Wednesday, as shown in the photo below.
Authorities said Oscar German Munoz, 61, and Martha Cecilia Molano, 57, who are married, were arrested on charges of burglary and grand theft in connection to a July 2022 incident, but BSO says the investigation remains ongoing and more charges could be pending.
Detectives suspect the couple operated in Tamarac and possibly Palm Beach County.
Investigators said the case began last month when an elderly couple in the Yardley community of Tamarac reported that thousands of dollars’ worth of valuables had been stolen.
They said surveillance video showed Munoz and Molano waiting outside the couple’s home, entering with cleaning supplies and leaving shortly after.
That report led BSO detectives to a Coral Springs home, where they executed a search warrant on May 5. Inside, authorities said they recovered hundreds of stolen items, including rings, necklaces, watches, earrings, gems, collectable coins and cash.
“It looks like the victims were not at home at the time, sometimes the victims were also not even customers, they would scout through these elderly communities and go from there,” said BSO Detective Sophie Riggs.
Investigators say the pair sold some of the stolen jewelry at pawn shops and used the proceeds to take lavish international trips.
Arrest records show Munoz completed more than 40 pawn transactions between 2015 and 2023, with documented sales exceeding $80,000. They hope people will come forward to identify recovered items.
Anyone who believes they were victimized is urged to call BSO Detective Danny Polo at 954-720-2225.
Detectives also advise residents to carefully vet housecleaning services. Tips include checking online reviews, verifying that a company is licensed and insured, requesting references, and getting multiple quotes before hiring.
“Be very careful of who you allow in, especially when it comes to cleaners do not have them clean when you are not in the residence,” said Riggs.
