Florida Woman Accused of Drugging Men in Hotel Rooms After Nightclub Encounters, Police Say
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Authorities in South Florida say a woman repeatedly accompanied men back to their hotel rooms under the pretense of consensual intimacy, only to drug them, steal valuables, and disappear while they were unconscious.
According to arrest records, Sarah Jean Tavano, 39, is facing multiple felony charges, including strong-arm robbery, organized fraud, second-degree grand theft, and burglary of an occupied dwelling. She has been held at Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation since Sunday.
Police Detail Nightclub Encounter That Led to Hotel Room Robbery
Court documents describe a December 12 incident involving a man who was alone at Sugar after his friends had left for the night.
According to an arrest affidavit, a woman matching Tavano’s description approached the man. After several interactions, she allegedly agreed to accompany him back to his hotel room, where he believed they would engage in consensual sexual activity.
Investigators said the two entered a room at the InterContinental Miami, located along the city’s waterfront near Chopin Plaza.
Victim Says He Fell Ill After Drink, Lost Consciousness
Once inside the room, the man told police he consumed a drink with the woman and soon began experiencing sudden nausea, dizziness, and extreme weakness.
According to the affidavit, he lost consciousness and did not wake up until around 7:25 a.m. the following morning.
When he regained awareness, the woman was gone — along with his gold Rolex Day-Date 36 mm wristwatch, valued at approximately $38,000, and about $1,500 in cash.
The victim later told investigators he does not normally experience such symptoms from alcohol and believed he had been drugged.
Investigators Link Stolen Watch to Local Pawn Shop
Police said the victim provided the serial number of his Rolex, allowing investigators to trace the watch to a local pawn shop, where it had been sold shortly after the incident.
Detectives reviewed hotel surveillance footage and said they immediately recognized the woman as Tavano, whom they already suspected in two prior investigations involving similar allegations.
According to police, Tavano followed a clear pattern.
“Male victims were brought back to hotel rooms under the pretense of consensual sex, consumed drinks, lost consciousness, and later discovered property stolen,” investigators wrote.
Second Encounter Leads to Arrest at Same Nightclub
More than a month later, just after midnight on January 18, security staff at Sugar nightclub contacted police to report that the suspect had returned to the venue.
Authorities said Tavano was already known to have probable cause for arrest in a separate case. Officers detained her at the scene.
During the arrest, police allegedly found Tavano in possession of suspected cocaine, Seroquel — a prescription medication that can cause sedation or fainting — and a bottle of Jägermeister containing a cloudy liquid with visible powder residue.
Police Say Drugs Found Match Alleged Method
In the arrest report, investigators noted that the presence of prescription medication mixed with alcohol is consistent with methods used to incapacitate victims and cause loss of consciousness.
Authorities believe the substances recovered may explain the prolonged symptoms reported by the victim, including ongoing nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness days after the incident.
Tavano was formally arrested and booked into jail following the nightclub encounter.
Case Highlights Growing Concern Over Drug-Facilitated Robberies
Police say the case underscores a broader concern about drug-facilitated thefts targeting nightlife patrons, particularly in tourist-heavy areas with high-end hotels.
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims, and the case remains under review as prosecutors prepare to move forward.
As Miami authorities continue investigating this alleged hotel room robbery scheme, the case serves as a reminder for nightlife patrons to remain vigilant about personal safety and unattended drinks. For continued coverage of arrests, criminal investigations, and public safety news from Florida and beyond, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.