A 32-year-old Florida woman is facing a felony grand theft charge after a man reported that his luxury Rolex watch went missing following a night together at his home. The man told investigators he began feeling unusually tired and strange before falling asleep, later raising concerns that he may have been drugged. Police arrested the woman in September in connection with the alleged theft.
Woman Faces Felony Charge Over Missing Luxury Watch
Lynda Mae Crouse, 32, has been accused of taking a Rolex valued at $98,400, according to court documents. The alleged incident took place on April 12 after she met the man at a nightclub in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the man and Crouse exchanged Instagram details after meeting at the Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park shortly after midnight. Approximately an hour later, he arranged transportation for her to travel from her residence to his home.
The two reportedly spent time together and consumed alcoholic drinks. Later that night, the man went into his bedroom to change clothes and said he suddenly felt unusual and extremely tired.
Man Reports Feeling Strange Before Watch Disappears
The man told police that he heard a clapping sound coming from the living room while he was changing. When he returned, he reportedly noticed a change in Crouse’s behavior and was told she intended to leave.
After she left, the man fell asleep. Several hours later, he woke up still feeling strange and became concerned that he may have been given an unknown substance.
He then checked the Rolex box in his living room and discovered that the watch was missing. The man told investigators that the sound he heard earlier might have been the watch box closing.
The missing timepiece was described as a 40 mm gold Rolex Presidential with baguette diamond hour markers and a diamond-covered bezel. A signed appraisal provided to police valued the watch at $98,400.
According to the affidavit, no toxicology test was conducted on the man in connection with the Hallandale Beach investigation. He did not seek medical treatment but told police he continued to experience what he believed were lingering effects of an unknown substance.
Police Arrest Suspect in Hollywood
Investigators later identified Crouse from a six-person photo lineup, according to the court documents.
The affidavit also references four other Miami-Dade County cases that investigators described as similar. Police alleged that Crouse had targeted men wearing expensive watches at bars or nightclubs and accompanied them to private residences or hotels before the watches were reported missing.
One separate investigation mentioned in the affidavit involved a victim who tested positive for a prescription sleep medication. Investigators said the symptoms described in that case were similar to those reported by the Hallandale Beach man. The documents do not establish that the same substance was involved in the current case.
Crouse was arrested on September 11 in Hollywood, Florida, after a Seminole Police Department officer encountered her while responding to an unrelated trespassing matter. A records check reportedly revealed an outstanding Broward County warrant, leading to her arrest.
A Broward County magistrate found probable cause on September 14. Crouse was charged with second-degree felony grand theft involving property valued between $20,000 and $100,000. Her bond was set at $2,500, and she was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.
The case remains active. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.
