A Miami woman has been charged with robbing a man she met on Instagram after luring him to her luxury condominium. Nicole Cano, 30, faces counts of false imprisonment and strong-arm robbery. She entered a not guilty plea this week and remains in custody.
The incident occurred on April 11 at the Paraiso Bayviews condos on Northeast 31st Street in Miami. According to police, Cano and the victim had previously connected on Instagram and exchanged messages that day before agreeing to meet for drinks at her apartment around 6:15 p.m. Two other women then emerged from a bedroom and demanded money from the man. When he said he had none, the group blocked his exit and pulled a gold cross pendant valued at $300 from his neck during a struggle. He escaped and contacted police shortly afterward. He later identified Cano in a photo lineup on May 1. She was arrested at the condo on May 4. During questioning, Cano admitted setting up the meeting but denied participating in the robbery or holding the victim against his will. On May 5 she was appointed a public defender, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered to stay away from the victim. She is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.