Handcuffs

PRESS RELEASE- Lehigh Acres, FL- Jewel Thief Sentenced to Life in Prison.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime Suspects

Lehigh Acres, FL- This morning, jewel thief Juan Antonio Manresa Leyva, 55, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to life in prison for an elaborate jewelry store burglary in Lehigh Acres. He was convicted of Grand Theft Over $100,000, First Degree Burglary Causing Damage Over $1,000, and Possession of Burglary Tools, following a trial in September.

The defendant has an extensive criminal history of gem and jewelry heists along the East Coast of the U.S., as well as crimes across the country. He was part of a crime ring that targeted jewelry stores and pawn shops. They would commit the crimes in the same way it was done in this case, by cutting a hole in the roof, disabling alarms and cameras, and using torches to access the safe.

Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Abraham Thornburg and Circuit Court Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Russell prosecuted this case involving the burglary of a jewelry store in Lehigh Acres on February 11, 2024.

The crime started in the overnight hours as the defendant and two other men gained entry into the building, by cutting through the roof. They cut through many layers of the wall, including the HVAC system and duct work. They then gained entry to the room that contained a giant safe and broke into the safe with a cutting torch. They pulled jewels out of the safe and tried to flee as law enforcement arrived. The store owners had seen activity on a security camera, that the thieves missed, and called 911 as the heist was in progress.

Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies, utilizing infrared cameras on a helicopter, captured the defendant, hiding in a nearby wooded area, after jumping off the roof.

The defendant was previously convicted in a RICO conspiracy case out of Clay County, Florida and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released in 2020 after serving more than 9 years. That case consisted of 21 jewelry stores and pawn shops that were burglarized in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Connecticut. Upon release he committed burglary and grand theft in Sarasota County and was convicted of the crimes. He was released from prison in that case in August 2023. He committed these new crimes here in Lee County, six months after being released from prison.

Due to today’s sentence, he will now serve the rest of his life in prison.

Press release provided by Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director.

colonial heights

Colonial Heights, VA- GRAB and RUN

by Crime SuspectsDaily BlogGrab and RunUncategorized

Colonial Heights, VA– On October 15, 2025, a Jeweler store was the victim of a grab and run theft. A lone male entered the location and asked to have his gold chain cleaned. An employee took the chain and placed it in the ultrasonic cleaner. While the chain was being cleaned, the male began looking at gold chains. After looking at several, the male agreed to purchase the three items. An employee took the items to the register and began processing the sale. During the transaction, the male asked if he could put the items on and take a picture. The employee handed the male both chains and pendant prior to completing the sale. Once the male secured the items around his neck, he ran out of the store. The police were contacted and report filed. No injuries reported.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, black, mid-to-late 20’s, 6’00”, thin build, wearing Khaki pants, brown flannel shirt, glasses, hat

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

az1

Phoenix, AZ- Distraction Theft

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theftGrab and Run

Phoenix, AZ– On October 16, 2025, it was reported that a distraction theft incident occurred. A male and female suspects entered the store where they were greeted by an employee. The male and female proceeded to both the tower spinner showcases and began to look at numerous items, while the employee was assisting another customer at the other side of the kiosk. The male reached inside the tower spinner, underneath the spinner’s opening, and quickly grabbed two items from the spinner tower. The male and female suspects fled and exited the mall. Mall security and Phoenix Police Department were notified and responded. No injuries were reported.

Suspect(s) Description:

1) Male, 25-30yrs. old, 5’4, 140lbs., Hispanic, brown eyes, wearing a black cap, wearing a black Arizona Diamondbacks shirt over a grey long sleeve shirt, black/dark denim pants, black and white shoes, NOTE: tattoos on both sides of his neck.

2) Female, 25-30 yrs. old, 5’1, 130lbs., Hispanic, brown eyes, dark brown hair in a bun, wearing a small backpack, wearing a dark red shirt, denim shorts and white shoes

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

littleton, co

Littleton, CO- Merchandise Switch theft.

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theftGrab and Run

Littleton, CO– On October 18, 2025, a jewelry store was the victim of a merchandise switch theft. An unknown male entered the store under the pretense of shopping for an engagement ring. He proceeded to the bridal showcase and was assisted by an employee. The suspect pointed out several rings to view and then asked to see 1ct round certified diamond rings. Two certified diamond rings were shown to the suspect to compare. During the presentation, he handed back a different ring and claimed it was the same one the team member gave him. The fake ring did not test as diamond and again, the employee requested the original certified diamond be returned. The suspect denied having it and proceeded to walk out of the store into the mall. Mall security was contacted, and a report was filed with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, white, early to mid-20’s, 5’9”, 165lbs, short cut hair, shaved with no facial hair. Wearing headphones, a black long sleeve shirt, black pants and black shoes.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

palmdale

PALMDALE, CA- GRAB AND RUN THEFT

by Crime SuspectsDaily BlogGrab and Run

PALMDALE, CA- On October 16, 2025, at the Antelope Valley Mall, a Jeweler experienced a grab & run theft incident. Upon entering the store, the Suspect inquired about gold chains. After initially trying on and returning one chain, the Suspect was shown a second chain and immediately after taking possession he ran out of the store. Palmdale Sheriff’s Department was notified, and a report was filed. No reported injuries.

Suspect(s) Description: Black male, approx. 20-22 yrs. old, 6’0”, thin build. Wearing a white hooded sweat suit.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

ohio5

Elyria, Ohio- Police Search for Suspect of Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store.

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsDaily Blog

Elyria, Ohio– On October 14, 2025, a jeweler was the victim of an Armed Robbery. According to Management, a single male suspect entered the store, and he brandished a weapon and placed a sock with duct tape over the locking mechanism of the front door and stated, “Everyone put your hands up”. At this point, the suspect then directed an employee with his weapon to remove items from the display case. The entire tray was removed, and he placed the merchandise into a black cross body bag.

The suspect then advised the employee to go over to another display case and to pull out the two entire trays of merchandise. The suspect then placed the merchandise into his bag. The suspect then proceeded to walk around the store quickly, appearing to look for gold merchandise, but the merchandise was pulled for a Special Event. It was at this time; the suspect proceeded over to bracelets and earrings, and the employee complied and handed over numerous items. The suspect then exited the store, removing the sock and duct tape stating to the employees “To Have a Good Day”. The store was then secured and 911 was called. The Elyria Police Department responded and secured the scene. A sock and duct tape were recovered from behind the building as well as hammer at the front of the store. No physical injuries reported.

Suspect(s) Description: White Male; 20 – 25 years old; Thin Build; Black Hoodie; Blue Jeans; Black Tennis Shoes; Wearing a Gator Mask (Black)

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

gypsie77

VAIL, CO- Police seek assistance in Identifying subject in theft of a gold chain valued at 27K.

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theft

Vail, CO– The Vail Police Department has issued a public statement regarding the theft of a gold necklace valued at $27,000.

According to a social media post on the matter, the theft took place around 4:52 p.m. on October 18, with the pricy piece of jewelry stolen from Karats Vail at 122 E. Meadow Dr. Surveillance footage was captured of a suspect in the case, described as a male with dark hair and a short beard, wearing a white t-shirt and blue puffy vest. Police described the footage of the suspect as capturing him appearing to take the necklace.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by the Denver Gazette. Click HERE to view article.

shooting

UPDATE: Baltimore, MD- Police investigating fatal shooting at jewelry shop in Canton

by Armed RobberyBurglary


Baltimore, MD – police are investigating a fatal shooting at a jewelry shop in Canton. Officers responded to the 2200 block of Fleet Street near South Madeira Street around 2:15 a.m. Thursday and found a 39-year-old man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Police said the victim was unresponsive.

The shooting victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, police said in a news release. Investigators say the shooting happened may have happened during a commercial burglary. Homicide detectives are handling the case.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has been updated the deceased subject is NOT the jeweler. The deceased subject is the suspected burglar.

Article provided by WBALTV 11 News.

colonial heights

Colonial Heights, VA- GRAB and RUN.

by Crime SuspectsDaily BlogGrab and Run

Colonial Heights, VA– On October 15, 2025, a Jewelry store in Colonial Heights, VA reported a grab and run theft. A lone male entered the location and asked to have his gold chain cleaned. An employee took the chain and placed it in the ultrasonic cleaner. While the chain was being cleaned, the male began looking at gold chains. After looking at several, the male agreed to purchase the three (3) items listed above. An employee took the items to the register began processing the sale. During the transaction, the male asked if he could put the items on and take a picture. The employee handed the male both chains and pendant prior to completing the sale. Once the male secured the items around his neck, he ran out of the store. The police were contacted and report filed.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, black, mid-to-late 20’s, 6’00”, thin build, wearing Khaki pants, brown flannel shirt, glasses, hat

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

wheat

Wheat Ridge, CO- Two men convicted in Wheat Ridge jewelry store owner’s death sentenced to lengthy prison terms

by Armed RobberyMurder of Jeweler

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — Two men who were found guilty of killing a Wheat Ridge jewelry store owner have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.

Charles Shay and Michael James McCormack robbed Peter Arguello’s store, Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, on November 29, 2023. During the robbery, Arguello was kidnapped, assaulted and fatally shot by Shay, according to the DA’s office.

Court documents revealed surveillance video from inside the shop captured the shooting and showed a suspect trying to handcuff Arguello. The store owner resisted, and Shay shot Arguello three times, according to court documents.

In August, a Jefferson County jury found Shay guilty of 10 counts, including first-degree murder. The DA’s office said Shay was also determined to be a habitual criminal under Colorado law, having six prior felony convictions.

Shay was sentenced on Sept. 10 to life without the possibility of parole plus 120 years.

McCormack, meanwhile, was convicted by a separate jury of five counts, including felony murder and aggravated robbery. He was sentenced Monday to 75 years in prison.

“Peter Arguello was an innocent victim and a beloved member of this community whose life was stolen in a senseless act of violence,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Chandler Grant said in a statement. “These sentences bring accountability, honor the strength of his family and community, and reflect the tireless work of our law enforcement partners to ensure justice for Peter and his loved ones.”

To view the article and video news from ABC News 7 News, click HERE.