DOJ

Las Vegas, NV- Felon sentenced to 26 years in prison for Las Vegas armed robberies, assault of federal officer.

by Armed RobberyCrime NewsCrime SuspectsDaily Blog

Las Vegas, NV– A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced Monday in two separate cases involving armed robberies of two jewelry stores and assaulting a detention officer while in custody.

Wyatt Scott Peterson, 42, received 26 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, according to a U.S. Department of Justice release.

According to court documents, Peterson entered an EZ Pawn in Las Vegas on Dec. 12, 2016, and demanded the keys to the jewelry case. During the course of the robbery, he brandished a 9mm semi-automatic handgun to intimidate employees into not resisting and complying with his demands, authorities said. The firearm was discharged into a display case during the robbery.

Peterson stole at least $40,000 and left the store, according to prosecutors.

Nine days later, Peterson entered a Super Pawn in Las Vegas and demanded the keys to the jewelry case, prosecutors said. He stole 29 rings, three pairs of earrings, and five bracelets combined worth more than $20,000 before he left the store, the release said.

While detained pending trial for the armed robbery case at the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, Peterson confronted and punched a detention officer at the stairwell.

Peterson has two prior felony convictions in Washington and one in in Clark County.

Article provided by Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com.

pd2

Brooklyn, NY- Suspect accused of stealing $6K ring from Brooklyn jewelry store: NYPD

by ArrestsCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn – Police are searching for a suspect accused of stealing from a Brooklyn jewelry store on Feb. 13, according to the NYPD.

It happened at 243 Grand St. in Williamsburg around 2:15 p.m., police said. The suspect allegedly stole a ring worth $6,900, according to authorities. He then fled the store to parts unknown, police said.

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

To view video article provided by News 11, click here.

charlotte2

Charlotte, NC – Three people wanted for stealing jewelry from Charlotte pawn shop

by Crime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogSmash and Grab

Charlotte, NC– Three people are wanted after pictures capture them smashing display cases at a Charlotte pawn shop, according to Charlotte Crime Stoppers.

Around 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 22, three suspects wearing hoods, masks, and sunglasses entered National Pawn at 2905 Eastway Drive. Officials say they smashed glass display cases and stole jewelry from the store. The men allegedly drove a stolen vehicle which was found abandoned not far from the store.

To view the article provided by Logan Jennes of Queens City News with additional photos, click HERE.

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

47th street arrest

New York, NY- 2 arrested amid FBI search in Diamond District in connection to burglaries targeting pro athletes.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsDaily BlogFence

MIDTOWN, Manhattan – The FBI searched locations in Manhattan’s Diamond District in connection with the recent rash of burglaries targeting professional athletes and two arrests were made.

A search warrant was executed at 75 West 47th Street on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m.

Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, and Juan Villar, 48, are charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property as part of an alleged fencing operation tied to the South American theft groups behind the string of burglaries targeting professional athletes, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

The two men are accused of buying luxury items linked to burglaries across the country and then selling them from a pawn shop in the Diamond District. The suspects allegedly bought stolen property from Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, who’s accused of committing 16 residential robberies across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020.

Nezhinskiy was arrested Tuesday in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan. The two are due to appear in court in Downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday.

“As alleged, the defendants created an illicit market and fueled demand for burglaries by South American Theft Groups and other crews around the country by purchasing stolen watches, jewelry and other luxury items, and then re-selling them in their New York City store,” said United States Attorney John Durham.

For almost five years, authorities say Nezhinskiy and Villar served as unlawful brokers to sell stolen luxury items by purchasing them from burglary crews based out of South America. The stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags and assorted luxury items, had been swiped from homes outside of New York and transported into the state, prosecutors said.

According to the indictment, phone records and video surveillance links Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man burglary crew believed to be involved in the December 9, 2024 burglary of Burrow.

An undercover detective conducted seven controlled sales of purported stolen property, between October 2022 and January 2024, including high-end handbags and luxury accessories, to Nezhinskiy or Villar, or both, at their business location in Manhattan’s Diamond District.

During these controlled sales, the undercover detective provided the defendants with items that the undercover told the defendants had been stolen, and received cash in exchange for the stolen goods, the indictment said.

During Tuesday’s search on West 47th Street, authorities seized large quantities of suspected stolen property, including dozens of high-end watches and jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered large quantities of cash and marijuana.

Simultaneously, law enforcement executed a search warrant at storage units belonging to Nezhinskiy in New Jersey where an additional cache of suspected stolen property was found. From inside Nezhinskiy’s storage units, law enforcement recovered large quantities of luxury goods and clothing, including high-end handbags, wine, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork and power tools consistent with those commonly used in burglaries and opening safes.

Article provided by ABC News, click here to view article and video.

kennewick

Kennewick, WA- Jewelry theft suspect sought by Kennewick Police.

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

Kennewick, WA – A jewelry store in the 5200 block of W Clearwater Ave was the site of a felony theft on February 20, 2025, according to Kennewick Police.

Investigators said the suspect stole a ring and fled the area.

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

Wash2

PULALLUP, WA- BURGLARY AT THE SOUTH HILL MALL.

by BurglaryCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily Blog

Puyallup, WA– at the South Hill Mall, a burglary was reported. Just prior to the mall opening, 2 suspects broke into the mall and went straight to this kiosk. The first suspect entered the kiosk and using a small hatchet begin striking the tops of the showcases and the wooden doors. While struggling to gain entry, the suspect #2, climbed on top of the showcases and began jumping on them to aid in the shattering of the showcase top. Once entry was gained the first suspect continues to two others. Various weapons were used to enter three showcases. Numerous items were removed and placed into a cardboard box which had been located on site. These items were then removed from the site as the two suspects fled the location without being detected.

Suspect(s) Description:

Suspect 1: described as white, tall with a thin to medium build. The suspect wore black and white running shoes, medium-colored blue jeans was fade or distressed patterns on the front. They were black winter jacket over top of a black shirt. The suspect wore a black mask or face covering and a Black Hat. The suspect wore black gloves.

Suspect 2: described as female with a thin build approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall in her late 20s to early 30s. She wore white running shoes, light pink track pants. She wore a black winter jacket with a hood over top of a white T-shirt. The suspect appeared to have long hair dyed white or grey. She wore a black mask during most of the robbery but not all of it. She also wore black gloves

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

pooler

POOLER, GA- GRAB AND RUN

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

Pooler, GA– On February 14, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets, a grab and run theft was reported at a jewelry store. A lone male entered the location and stated he wanted to look at a cross chain. A employee assisted the male and removed the item from the showcase. Once the male gained possession of the item, he attempted to put it around his neck. The employee tried to get the item back, but the male moved away and nodded his head. The male looked at himself in the mirror and said, “I’ll get this”. Then the male stated, ” let me get my money” and proceeded to walk away towards the front door. Once the male got to the door, he ran from the location. A police report was filed.

The Jewelers Security Alliance is tracking the suspect may be the same suspect that committed a grab and run theft in North Charleston, South Carolina on February 12th.

Suspect(s) Description:  Male, Black, 5’05”, slender build, wearing glasses, blind from his right eye, eye was cloudy / white, twist-braids his hair was black hair that is graying.

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

charlotte

Charlotte, NC- Suspect used sledgehammer to smash display case at SouthPark Mall, CMPD says

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogSmash and Grab

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying a man who used a sledgehammer to smash a Rolex case and steal multiple watches from SouthPark Mall last month.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police shared multiple surveillance photos of a man they say pulled off the heist on Dec. 27. The man is seen inside an unidentified jewelry store.

He was last seen wearing a New York Yankees baseball hat, a gray and black windbreaker and jeans. The incident happened around 8 p.m. on Dec. 27 at SouthPark Mall. Investigators say multiple watches were taken from the display case.

To view the article provided by WCNC News-Charlotte, Click here.

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

monterey

Monterey, CA- Caught on Camera: Monterey jeweler loses $20,000 in Valentine’s Day theft.

by Crime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily Blogdistraction theft

MONTEREY, Calif. – The owner of a jewelry store in downtown Monterey says he lost $20,000 after a pair stole from him on Valentine’s Day without him even knowing.

“It’s a kind of day you’re thinking about romance and love and business, good business because it’s Valentine’s Day. And you don’t expect something like this,” said Steve Saunders, owner if Steve Saunders Master Jeweler.

Saunders shows the moments it all supposedly went down on surveillance video, pointing out two people as the thieves.

“Ding! Hello! Hello!” the video captures the man and woman entering the store.

The video shows the pair asking for multiple high-priced items, and Saunders is seen running around to pull out jewelry.

“My problem is I was so excited about making a big sale that’s all I could think about,” Saunders said.

The pair asked Saunders to put the merchandise in a jewelry box and wrap it in a plastic bag, which he did.

The customers put down a $200 deposit before leaving to go to the bank to withdraw more.

“How could something like that happen?” asked reporter Christian Balderas.

“Sleight of hand,” Saunders replied.

Saunders put the jewelry box and the bag in the safe, but the couple never returned, leading Saunders to believe something was wrong.

“I went to look in the safe and as soon as I picked up the white bag, my heart sank because I could tell immediately now that I’m paying attention that the box was empty,” Saunders said.

The Monterey Police Department says they are investigating.

“What would you say to them if they’re watching?” asked Balderas.

“I’m going to find you,” Saunders said.

The store owner, Steve Saunders, says he is offering a reward of $1,000 for any information that leads to their arrest.

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

Lombard

DuPage County, Illinois- Two Jewelry Store Burglary Suspects ARRESTED from Ohio Released Pre-Trial by DuPage County Judge After Capture by Lombard Police

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsDaily Blog

Lombard, IL– Police officers about 8:56 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, were dispatched to Rogers & Holland Jewelers after receiving information that two individuals, later identified as the defendants, were inside the store approximately two hours after it had closed. Following an investigation into the matter, police discovered that Alls and Butler allegedly used a crowbar to pry open a security gate at the store. Once inside the store, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $137.205.45 worth of merchandise from the display cases. While in the store, Alls noticed a security officer, and yelled “we gotta go!” at which time both offenders fled the scene on foot, ultimately getting into a silver Volvo. Nearby officers located the Volvo at Highland Avenue and Roosevelt Road and observed the license plate was covered by a towel. Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop and took the defendants into custody without incident. When processing the scene, officers located a crowbar in the backseat of the Volvo. Police also discovered a bag of jewelry allegedly thrown from the defendants’ vehicle near Roosevelt Road and Stewart Avenue, approximately two hundred feet from where the vehicle was initially observed by officers, and about two miles from the Rogers & Holland Jewelers.

“As I have said before, burglary and retail theft are not victimless crimes. Shoppers, employers, employees, business owners and entire communities ultimately bear the cost in the form of higher prices, lost revenue and wages, reduced local economic investment and a lost sense of security. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their work on this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe for employees and patrons. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Mr. Alls and Mr. Butler.”

— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin

“I would like to recognize our patrol officers and detectives for some fantastic professional police work that led to the apprehension of the individuals involved and the recovery of the property stolen in this incident. I would also like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance in securing appropriate charges.”

— Lombard Deputy Chief of Police Joe Grage

The next court date for both defendants is scheduled for March 10, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office

Article provided by Arlington Cardinal.com, click here to view article.