Woman accused of extorting dental hygienist working out of office

HIALEAH, Fla. – A 54-year-old Miami woman was arrested Tuesday by Hialeah police after she allegedly extorted a dental hygienist who worked for her outside of the office, authorities said.

According to an arrest report, the victim agreed to perform dental work for Mariela Zaldivar outside the office for $570 because Zaldivar does not have dental insurance.

But the victim told police that Zaldivar called her a week later, saying he wanted his money back or he would report the woman to police for “practicing without a license.”

Police said the victim gave the money back to Zaldivar because she didn’t want any trouble, but Zaldivar then continued to call and harass her for two months, demanding more money and threatening to call the police and ruin her life the victim.

According to the report, the victim initially blocked Zaldivar’s phone number, but she called from different numbers, so he eventually agreed to meet with her to come to an agreement about how much Zaldivar wanted to be paid to leave her alone.

Police said the two women met in a bathroom inside the Macy’s store in the Westland Mall on Monday night, and Zaldivar demanded $2,000 from the victim to leave her alone.

During the confrontation, Zaldivar became loud as he threatened the victim, and an officer broke up the verbal altercation and told the women to follow him out of the store, authorities said.

According to the arrest report, the victim showed the officer a Zelle transaction, proving she sent the money to Zaldivar. She also showed the officer several text messages in support of her statements, the report said.

Police said Zaldivar invoked his right not to speak to officers.

She was arrested on charges of extortion.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Zaldivar was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where her bond has not yet been set.