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Thursday, October 29, 2026 · UTC
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Puerto Rico mechanic charged with defrauding elder over classic Jeep restoration

49-year-old mechanic accused of stealing $12000 and dismantling 1970 Jeep Truck

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Authorities stated Carlos Báez Merced did not perform the agreed restoration work, and the Jeep was recovered fully dismantled [1] On 19 February 2025 the 86-year-old victim delivered a 1970 red Jeep Truck and $12,000 personal cheque to Carlos Báez Merced for vehicle restoration work [2] Puerto Rico Police stated that 49-year-old Carlos Báez Merced was charged on an unspecified Wednesday with defrauding an 86-year-old man in Aguas Buenas [3] Caguas court judge Karina Díaz Pérez found probable cause for arrest, set bail at $25,000, and scheduled a preliminary hearing for 5 November. [4][5]
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  1. Authorities stated Carlos Báez Merced did not perform the agreed restoration work, and the Jeep was recovered fully dismantled · NotiCel - La verdad como es - Noticias de Puerto Rico - NOTICEL -
  2. On 19 February 2025 the 86-year-old victim delivered a 1970 red Jeep Truck and $12,000 personal cheque to Carlos Báez Merced for vehicle restoration work · NotiCel - La verdad como es - Noticias de Puerto Rico - NOTICEL -
  3. Puerto Rico Police stated that 49-year-old Carlos Báez Merced was charged on an unspecified Wednesday with defrauding an 86-year-old man in Aguas Buenas · NotiCel - La verdad como es - Noticias de Puerto Rico - NOTICEL -
  4. Judge Karina Díaz Pérez of Caguas Tribunal found probable cause for arrest, set bail at $25,000 which was posted by the defendant · NotiCel - La verdad como es - Noticias de Puerto Rico - NOTICEL -
  5. Caguas court judge Karina Díaz Pérez found probable cause for arrest, set bail at $25,000, and scheduled a preliminary hearing for 5 November. · Metro Puerto RicoPuerto Rico
The one we could place publishes from Puerto Rico. 1 could not be placed by their address. None is an official body: that part stands on reporting, not on the underlying document or transcript.