A man was arrested for grand theft by fraud after he was accused of not paying his $2,200 hotel bill at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. Justin Lara was arrested at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel earlier this summer.
Claiming he was on a business trip, Lara stayed for 10 days in June. At some point during his stay, staff realised he had given them a credit card flagged as fraudulent. It was a company credit card under the name Brian Smith, who Lara said was his boss. Lara also claimed Smith was the person covering the $2,200 balance for his stay Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.
The hotel tried to process other credit cards for Lara, but they were all declined. Lara said he was from New York and was in town for the computer game industry conference, Unreal Fest. After that, Lara said he other business in Orlando to attend to.
When asked to provide more information about his job at the technology company, Lara struggled to give answers, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) arrest report (via WDWNT) said.
“He stated his boss, Brian Smith with CHUCO based out of New York, was aware he was here and was paying the expenses with the company card. Justin stated he was supposed to check out of the room today but missed his flight back to New York and was supposed to book the room one more night. He was not aware there was an outstanding balance of $2,200 and was under the impression his boss had paid for the remaining balance. He stated there was a balance of $66 and some change that was accept but that was the only thing that he was aware of.”
The arrest report said (via WDWNT)
Lara couldn’t provide a direct number for his boss and couldn’t reach him when he tried calling the same number on file with the hotel. He suspected his boss was at lunch. Law enforcement also tried contacting Smith, but again couldn’t reach him.
Lara didn’t know his employer’s address, because he said he works remotely and travels to conventions for work. He insisted his boss was supposed to cover the room bill.
On the day he was asked to check out, Lara packed his bags and waited for a luggage cart. “He was not spoken to by anyone for any outstanding balance nor was he told he had to pay it at any time by the staff. He was not aware of anything wrong until OCSO arrived,” the arrest report said (via WDWNT).
Lara was arrested and taken to Orange County Jail. He had multiple fake IDs, blank checks, “and other suspicious items” in his luggage, according to the arrest report said (via WDWNT).
He asked for a public defender to represent him, but Lara’s request was denied. No other lawyer was listed as representing. According to court records (via WDWNT), Lara is paid $1,500 every two weeks.
During a court hearing, authorities ruled there was probable cause that Lara committed the crime, and he was ordered not to return to Walt Disney World. Stay tuned for further updates.
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T WDWNT
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