Three men arrested in Walton County after renting home with fraudulent credit card

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Over the weekend, three men were arrested after renting a Miramar Beach Home with a fraudulent credit card.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a short-term rental property that was booked with a fraudulent credit card.

According to officials, the property management company met deputies at the home on Saint Francis Drive South where the men were located as they tried to flee out of the backdoor.

WCSO arrested Ramond Gomez, 36, of DeFuniak Springs, and Trevone Fitzgerald, 23, of Crestview. Both are charged with felony defrauding an innkeeper and trespassing.

Jason Cooper, 27, of Fort Walton Beach was determined to be the one who initially gained entry to the residence. He was also charged with defrauding an innkeeper and trespassing.

More than $6,500 in cash was located inside the home and all three men were issued a $1,000 bond and have been released, WCSO said.

“As we see an uptick in this type of criminal activity, we urge property managers and owners to stay vigilant. Follow these tips: Require guests to provide a photo ID during the booking process, use software to screen guests for potential risks, such as unusual booking patterns, and include the terms and conditions of the rental, such as payment schedules and deposits,” Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.

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