GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jonathan Leigh Montalvo II, 25, of Ocala, was arrested Thursday night at the Rosa Parks Transfer Station after police say he used another person’s phone to send himself money through Cash App and later threatened to shoot the victim.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, an officer was called to the Rosa Parks Transfer Station at 700 SE 3rd Street at about 9:15 p.m. on September 4. The victim told police Montalvo had asked to borrow his cell phone, and he handed it over. While using the phone, Montalvo allegedly opened the victim’s Cash App account and transferred $9 to himself without permission. Police say he also attempted to send himself additional amounts of $500, $300, and $100, but the victim’s bank blocked those transactions.
The victim told the officer that when he tried to look at what Montalvo was doing, Montalvo quickly changed apps. After the phone was returned, the victim said he noticed a Cash App text message indicating that a new phone number had been added to his account.
The victim said he began recording video as he confronted Montalvo about the activity on his phone. During that confrontation, Montalvo allegedly threatened to retrieve a gun from his purse and shoot him. The victim also reported that Montalvo asked whether he really wanted to die so young. Fearing for his safety, the victim said he ran away, and when Montalvo picked up his purse and started walking back toward him, he called 911.
The responding officer wrote that the victim appeared visibly upset after the incident. The victim showed police his Cash App transaction history, which reportedly included a $9 transfer to an account under the name “Janissa Montalvo.” The officer also reported seeing the three attempted transfers that had failed.
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When the officer asked Montalvo why he would send himself money via Cash App on the victim’s phone, Montalvo reportedly said he did not have Cash App; however, he showed the officer his cell phone, and the officer reported seeing the Cash App logo on his phone.
Montalvo reportedly said he had not sent any money, but he said the victim was “not street smart” because he let “a random person” use his phone.
At the jail, the officer asked Montalvo if he goes by another name, and Montalvo reportedly said he goes by “Janissa.”
Montalvo has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted grand theft, and petit theft. His criminal history is unavailable; Judge Sheree Lancaster set bail at $425,000.