Florida Woman Accused of Drugging Man, Stealing $100K Rolex
Lynda Mae Crouse faces robbery and grand theft charges, with authorities investigating her in four similar cases.
A Florida woman has been arrested and accused of drugging a man she met at a casino complex before stealing his Rolex valued at nearly $100,000. Authorities are also investigating the suspect, Lynda Mae Crouse, 32, in connection with four other alleged incidents.
Crouse was arrested on Friday on charges of robbery and grand theft stemming from an encounter in April at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The alleged victim told investigators that he first met Crouse at the Carousel Club, a venue within the casino complex, on April 12. After exchanging Instagram information, they arranged to meet again.
The man subsequently invited Crouse to his home. While drinking together, the man left Crouse alone in his living room briefly to change. Upon returning, he reported feeling unwell and increasingly tired. He recalled hearing an unusual clapping sound before noticing Crouse behaving differently. She then announced she was leaving for home.
According to the arrest report, the man's condition worsened rapidly, leading him to fall asleep. He awoke several hours later with the suspicion that he had been drugged and that his valuable watch was missing.
The stolen timepiece was identified as a gold 40mm Presidential Rolex, adorned with baguette diamond hour markers and round diamonds on the bezel, with an estimated value of $98,400.
Investigators allege that the Gulfstream Park incident may be part of a pattern. Crouse is reportedly linked to four other active cases in Miami-Dade County, including incidents in Aventura, Miami, and Miami Beach. These alleged offenses reportedly follow a similar modus operandi, wherein Crouse targets individuals wearing high-end watches at bars and clubs, then incapacitates them with a sedative to steal their valuables.
In one of the other cases, toxicology tests allegedly detected zolpidem, a prescription sedative known to cause drowsiness, confusion, and memory impairment, especially when combined with alcohol. This method is sometimes referred to by law enforcement as a 'bad date' crime.
The alleged victim in the April case confirmed that while he had been drinking, the amount consumed did not account for his subsequent blackout.
Crouse was booked into jail on Friday and has since been released on a $2,000 bond.