2 Men Stole Phones, Wallets From Women At Bars: St. Pete Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Two men face multiple charges for stealing phones and wallets from the purses of at least two women at bars, St. Petersburg police said in a news release.

Miguel Angel Urra Diaz, 51, and Yosniel Jesus Llanes Mora, 33, were taken into custody early Sunday. Diaz was spotted by an officer assigned to the downtown area and arrested, while Mora was arrested nearby a short time later.

The men were identified on video surveillance using the victims’ stolen credit and debit cards at Sam’s Club in St. Petersburg, police said.

Diaz was charged with three counts of being the principal in the first degree, fraudulent use of personal identification information; one count of being the principal in fraudulent use of a credit card; one count of being principal in fraudulent use of a credit card greater than $100; one count of being principal in unlawful possession of a stolen credit or debit card; and being principal in possession of a stolen credit card.

Mora was charged with three counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information possession, two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card greater than $100, one count of stolen credit card, and one count of unlawful possession of a stolen credit or debit card.

Their arrests stem from an investigation that started in January, when detectives noticed an increase in the number of pickpocketing and ID theft reports in the downtown bar district.

Detectives believe they may be connected to more victims and additional charges are pending.

They are also working to determine whether the suspects are connected to a statewide pickpocketing group, police said. A state prosecutor has been assigned to work with the detectives on the investigation.

Anyone with information about this active investigation is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411.