A tourist visiting Miami is facing serious criminal charges after authorities accused him of stealing high-value items from two upscale establishments in a single day. Stevan Milovanovic, 35, was arrested and charged with second-degree and third-degree grand theft following allegations that he took a rare $16,000 bottle of wine from a prominent Brickell restaurant and later stole a $40,000 art piece from a Miami gallery. According to arrest reports, the incidents occurred on Saturday and unfolded across two of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, drawing attention to both the boldness of the alleged crimes and the swift investigative response by law enforcement.
The case centers on two separate thefts that investigators say were connected by surveillance footage, witness accounts, and the suspect’s own alleged confession. Police reports detail a calculated sequence of events that began in the early afternoon and continued into the evening, ultimately leading to Milovanovic’s arrest early Monday morning after officers spotted the vehicle identified in surveillance footage.
Alleged Theft at Sexy Fish in Brickell
The first reported incident took place at Sexy Fish, a high-end restaurant located in Miami’s Brickell district. Officers were called to the establishment at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Saturday in response to a reported theft involving a rare and expensive bottle of wine valued at $16,000. According to police, Stevan Milovanovic entered the restaurant accompanied by another man, and the two were seated as customers.
Authorities allege that before placing any food order, Milovanovic stood up from the table and made his way to the restaurant’s wine cellar. The cellar is described in reports as a restricted area not accessible to patrons. Investigators say that once inside, Milovanovic removed a bottle of Monopole 1996 La Tâche, a highly sought-after vintage known among collectors and connoisseurs for its rarity and significant market value.
Police reports state that Milovanovic allegedly concealed the bottle inside his jacket. In what investigators described as an apparent attempt to avoid immediate detection, he then took another bottle from a nearby shelf and placed it in the spot previously occupied by the stolen wine. This substitution, according to authorities, was likely intended to make the shelf appear undisturbed at a glance, potentially delaying the discovery of the missing item.
After concealing the wine, Milovanovic allegedly exited the restaurant. Shortly thereafter, the second man paid in cash for the food that had been ordered, even though neither individual reportedly consumed the meal. The man then left the premises. Surveillance footage later reviewed by police captured Milovanovic entering the passenger side of a red Jeep Wrangler, which would later become a key detail in the investigation.
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Restaurant staff reportedly discovered the missing bottle and alerted authorities, prompting a review of surveillance footage that documented the suspect’s movements inside the establishment. The rarity and value of the Monopole 1996 La Tâche bottle elevated the incident to a felony-level offense under Florida law.
Art Gallery Theft in the Miami Design District
According to arrest reports, the alleged criminal activity did not end in Brickell. Authorities say that hours later, Milovanovic visited Galeries Bartoux, an art gallery located in the Miami Design District. There, he is accused of stealing a statue valued at $40,000.
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A witness at the gallery reportedly observed suspicious behavior, and surveillance cameras captured footage that corroborated the account. Investigators allege that Milovanovic removed the art piece from the premises without authorization. Details about how the statue was taken have not been extensively disclosed in public reports, but the value of the artwork placed the alleged offense firmly within the category of grand theft.
The Miami Design District is known for its concentration of luxury boutiques, galleries, and high-end retailers, making it a frequent destination for tourists and art collectors. Galeries Bartoux is part of an international network of galleries that feature contemporary artworks, sculptures, and limited-edition pieces. The reported theft of a $40,000 statue from such a venue further intensified the seriousness of the charges.
Authorities began connecting the two incidents through surveillance imagery and vehicle identification. The red Jeep Wrangler seen outside Sexy Fish was also linked to the movements of the suspect later in the day. Law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts to locate the vehicle and identify the individual involved.
Traffic Stop, Confession, and Criminal Charges
The investigation culminated early Monday morning at approximately 2:48 a.m., when officers spotted a red Jeep Wrangler traveling westbound on Interstate 395. Recognizing the vehicle from surveillance footage associated with both thefts, police initiated a stop.
According to arrest documents, Milovanovic was taken into custody at that time. Reports state that during questioning, he identified himself as the individual seen in the surveillance videos from both the restaurant and the art gallery. Authorities further allege that he admitted to stealing the $16,000 bottle of wine and the $40,000 statue.
The arrest reports describe the confession as clear and direct, with Milovanovic confirming both incidents. Following his arrest, he was formally charged with second-degree grand theft and third-degree grand theft. Under Florida law, the degree of grand theft is generally determined by the value of the property involved. Property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 can result in second-degree charges, while property valued between $750 and $20,000 typically qualifies as third-degree grand theft.
If convicted, the charges carry significant potential penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Second-degree grand theft is classified as a felony and may result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, while third-degree grand theft can carry a sentence of up to five years, depending on the circumstances and any prior criminal history.
The case has drawn public attention not only because of the high value of the items allegedly stolen but also due to the audacity of the incidents, which occurred in broad daylight at well-known establishments. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the role of surveillance technology and rapid coordination in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
As of the latest reports, Milovanovic remains in custody as the legal process moves forward. Court proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges, and prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on surveillance footage, witness testimony, and the alleged confession in building their case. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of security measures in high-value retail and hospitality settings, particularly in areas that attract international visitors and luxury commerce.
The allegations against Milovanovic highlight how quickly separate incidents can be linked through modern investigative methods, especially when high-dollar items are involved. With both a rare vintage wine and a valuable piece of art at the center of the case, the legal proceedings are likely to remain closely watched as they advance through the Miami court system.