BAL HARBOUR, Fla. – Bal Harbour police have arrested a man who they believe is a serial con artist.
Simon Gann, whom police said is also known as "Don Juan the Con Man," was arrested this week on charges of second-degree theft after an extensive investigation.
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According to detectives, Gann met a victim in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton South Beach on Sept. 4 while the victim was in South Florida for Labor Day weekend.
Police said Gann told the victim and the victim's friend that he was a professional gambler and convinced the victim to front him money.
"(He) was able to convince him that he had some form of autism that allowed him to read cards and that he was a professional gambler, similar to I guess the movie 'Rain Man,'" Bal Harbour Police Chief Mark Overton said.
Police said the victim pawned a $100,000 Rolex at a North Miami pawn shop, for which he received $20,000.
According to detectives, the group went to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood and played blackjack, where Gann lost $10,000 given to him by the victim. Meanwhile, the victim won $10,000. Police said Gann then wrote the victim a bad check for $20,000.
The victim told police that they all went to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort at about 3 a.m., where they ordered room service.
Detectives said Gann stole an $850 Louis Vuitton belt, $1,500 Louis Vuitton brown suede loafers, a $590 Louis Vuitton green and yellow shirt and $10,000 in cash from the victim's pants while the victim was showering.
The victim gave police Gann's phone number and photos from his cellphone, helping police track him down.
Police said Gann has committed similar crimes across the country, posing as different people and earning the nickname "Don Juan the con man." Police fear there are more victims out there.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Gann is asked to call police.