Parkland Teen Busted Selling Stolen iPhone at Walmart

by Ryan Yousefi June 28, 2025

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A Parkland teen was arrested after he was captured on surveillance video attempting to sell a stolen iPhone to an ecoATM.

According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office report, Ethan Henry Schwartzman, 18, of Parkland, allegedly swiped the iPhone from a bench near basketball courts at a park located in Heron Bay at 11535 Osprey Trail.

The phone, valued at $1,200, had been left behind by its owner. Investigators say Schwartzman was seen on CCTV taking the device and walking away without attempting to return it.

Less than an hour later, Schwartzman was allegedly seen on security footage again – this time at an EcoATM kiosk inside a Walmart in Pompano. There, he sold the iPhone for $158. He was required to present his Florida driver’s license, sign a declaration claiming the phone was his, and submit his thumbprint to complete the sale.

The EcoATM, a self-service machine designed to buy used phones and electronics, flagged the transaction, and authorities were able to trace the sale directly back to Schwartzman.

On June 24, deputies arrested Schwartzman at his residence. He reportedly admitted to both taking the phone and selling it without permission.

Schwartzman was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. He was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.