Inset: Deziree Nicole Hood (Miami-Dade Corrections). Left: Candlewood Suites Hotel in Virginia Gardens, Fla. Right: W Miami hotel in Miami (Google Maps).
In a string of incidents that have left Florida authorities on alert, a woman from Wisconsin has been accused of orchestrating a series of thefts involving high-end jewelry and clothing from unsuspecting men. The alleged crimes took place over several days in the Miami area, where the woman reportedly targeted men at local clubs and hotels.
Deziree Nicole Hood, 20, now faces serious charges, including two counts of grand theft and one count of false imprisonment. These charges stem from events that unfolded earlier this month, as detailed by law enforcement.
One significant occurrence took place on May 16 at the Candlewood Suites Hotel in Virginia Gardens. According to an affidavit, a male victim recounted meeting Hood for drinks at the hotel. During the encounter, Hood allegedly offered him a drink, after which he began to feel disoriented and dizzy, eventually losing memory of the events that followed.
Upon regaining consciousness, the victim realized his $14,000 Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch had vanished. Authorities conducted a blood test which revealed the presence of benzodiazepines, a drug that the victim had not knowingly consumed. Police indicated that the drug had been administered without his consent.
Hood’s alleged audacity extended beyond the theft itself; she reportedly flaunted her illicit gains on social media. Investigators found a selfie on her account, which purportedly showed her wearing the stolen Rolex watch. This discovery has further cemented the case against her as authorities continue to gather evidence.
The second incident occurred on May 21. This victim told cops he met Hood at a club and the two went back to the W Miami hotel at 485 Brickell Ave. in Miami around 3 a.m. They continued drinking until 6 a.m., when the victim fell asleep.
When the victim woke up around 10 a.m., he found that Hood was gone, along with several pieces of his designer clothing and jewelry, valued at $60,000. Security cameras allegedly showed Hood walking out of the building around 7:30 a.m. holding a large bag.
The victim tried to call Hood on her phone and via Instagram, but she did not respond. Cops identified Hood from her phone number and the victim picked her out in a photo lineup, according to police.
Police arrested her for both cases on Saturday and transported her to the Miami-Dade Jail, where she has since posted bond. Her next court date is not listed.