Three individuals were apprehended over the weekend for allegedly selling counterfeit wristbands during the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. The suspects, Christopher Duckett, Timothy Tedford, and Carlon Tedford, faced charges of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme and operating without a business license. Authorities discovered their operation after an undercover officer observed them discussing prices with festival-goers and facilitating entry into the event. Surveillance footage later confirmed the scam's method: selling wristbands, guiding buyers into the festival, and reclaiming the wristbands to reuse them.

Duckett was detained following complaints from victims who paid $1,200 for wristbands but were denied entry. He promised refunds to some of the victims before being arrested. None of the accused had authorization to conduct business within Miami, according to police reports.

Undercover Operations Unveil Fraud Scheme

Law enforcement officials successfully identified and intercepted a group involved in a deceptive wristband sale scheme at the Ultra Music Festival. An undercover officer played a pivotal role in uncovering this operation by witnessing firsthand how the trio interacted with potential customers. Their approach included providing temporary access to the event using fake wristbands, only to retrieve them afterward for resale.

The investigation began when an undercover officer noticed suspicious behavior involving discussions about pricing among the suspects and festival attendees. This interaction led to further surveillance, revealing that one suspect handed out wristbands while another guided groups inside the venue. Once inside, these wristbands were returned to the facilitators to continue the cycle. During the arrests, a third individual attempted to interfere with law enforcement efforts by trying to seize a bag containing additional wristbands. Officers quickly intervened, leading to his detention as well. Through careful examination of surveillance footage, authorities confirmed the nature of the scam and its systematic execution.

Victims' Testimonies Aid in Apprehending Suspects

The involvement of victims proved crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Reports from those who fell victim to the scam provided essential evidence against the suspects. These testimonies highlighted not only the financial losses incurred but also underscored the lack of legitimate business authorization held by the accused.

Two victims reported paying a significant sum of money for wristbands that ultimately failed to grant them entry into the festival. They recounted how one of the suspects offered partial refunds, which served as additional evidence in building the case against him. Following these revelations, law enforcement located and detained Duckett, adding to the number of arrests made. The combined efforts of undercover operations and victim cooperation ensured all parties involved in the fraudulent activity were held accountable. It became evident through investigations that none of the individuals possessed the necessary permits or licenses required to legally operate within the city limits of Miami, thus violating local regulations alongside committing fraud.