MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A Tampa man was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing two Spanish gold coins worth more than $50,000 from a Lower Keys resident, authorities confirmed Friday.
Keiontae Raneake Osean Smith, 35, is facing one count each of grand theft and dealing in stolen property, according to Adam Lindhart, a spokesman with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
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Authorities say Smith agreed to pay the victim, a Bay Point resident, approximately $53,750 for the rare coins in August.
During the exchange, authorities said Smith showed the seller a photo of a wire transfer confirmation, but the funds were never sent.
Linhardt said the victim later discovered Smith had provided a fake bank tracking number and, at one point, even offered a fake credit card number. He was also found to have used a false name during the negotiations, according to investigators.
Deputies said a warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on Thursday.
Jail records show Smith was released from jail Friday morning after posting a $200,000 bond.