CORONA, CA – On February 26th, 2025, the Corona Police Department apprehended two individuals involved in an elaborate vehicle fraud scheme after a victim reported being scammed out of $23,000.

The victim found a vehicle listing on Craigslist and communicated with the seller. After reviewing what appeared to be legitimate DMV paperwork at a local bank, the victim paid $23,000 for the vehicle. The victim later discovered the registration documents were fraudulent.

An investigation revealed the seller had rented the vehicle via the Turo app and forged the title he presented to the victim. The department’s Investigative Services Division took over the investigation, while the victim also continued to assist and located a similar advertisement online. Investigators were able to corroborate that it was likely the same offender and arranged to meet the suspect.

The subject, later identified as Sebastian Flores, arrived in another vehicle he was attempting to fraudulently sell and was detained without incident. A records check revealed an active felony warrant for conspiracy and auto theft. Evidence confirmed the fraudulent nature of the paperwork Flores possessed.

The department’s Flex Team and detectives stopped another vehicle leaving the scene who was believed to have arrived with Flores. The driver, Lasso Floris, had a felony warrant for trafficking stolen vehicles. Both suspects were transported to the Corona Police Department, where they were formally booked on multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, auto theft, and fraud.

Both suspects allegedly reside in Phoenix, Arizona, but have ties to the Southern California area. Flores and Floris also have extensive criminal histories for similar crimes, and it is likely there are additional victims. If you believe you have been victimized by either suspect, we urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency. The Corona Police Department would also like to remind the public to verify vehicle documentation with the DMV before completing any transactions.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Elizabeth Jolin at (951)279-3633 or at Elizabeth.Jolin@CoronaCA.gov.

About the City of Corona: Corona is a vibrant, culturally diverse community located in the heart of Southern California at the junction of the 91 and 15 freeways with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona, visit www.CoronaCA.gov.

Media Contact

Robert Montanez

Sergeant

951-736-2412

Robert.Montanez@CoronaCA.gov

‍

‍