A man and a woman have been taken into custody in Hialeah, Florida, accused of executing a string of thefts at two local jewelry stores by pretending to be potential buyers, according to local media reports.
Jennifer Izquierdo, aged 43, and Steven Louis Romero, 39, are facing charges of grand theft, organized fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud, as reported by CBS News.
Investigations revealed that one of the thefts occurred on January 23 at Estrella De Oro jewelry store located at 8275 West 12th Avenue in Hialeah. Romero entered the store under the guise of being interested in purchasing jewelry and shortly thereafter, Izquierdo joined him inside.
Police reports indicate that Izquierdo held the door open while Romero dashed out with several pieces of gold jewelry valued at over $13,000. He fled the scene in a red Nissan Sentra, leaving his alleged accomplice inside to give the impression she was uninvolved.
The authorities also link the pair to a similar heist on March 5 at Cuban Dan Jewelry, another Hialeah store known for its "Cuban link" chains. In this incident, Romero again posed as a customer and Izquierdo facilitated his escape as he made off with jewelry worth about $13,000, according to CBS News.
Surveillance cameras captured parts of the incidents, aiding investigators in tracing the suspects' actions. Additionally, a witness from Cuban Dan Jewelry identified both individuals during a photo lineup.
The investigation uncovered activity in pawn shops as well. Reports indicate that on the day of the Estrella De Oro theft, Romero pawned a stolen gold bracelet, a Cuban chain, and a pendant for approximately $13,000. Later, Izquierdo reportedly pawned two Cuban link chains for $10,700, linked to the other theft.
According to Local 10, police were able to piece together the chronology of events using surveillance footage and witness accounts, leading both suspects to confess their involvement after being stopped during a traffic check in Hialeah.
Records from the Miami-Dade correctional system show that both were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on March 9. They face multiple charges of grand theft and organized fraud, with bail set at $5,000 for several charges, in addition to pending accusations related to petty theft.
Understanding the Hialeah Jewelry Heists
What method did the suspects use for the jewelry thefts?
The suspects pretended to be interested customers to gain access to the jewelry stores, then executed their thefts by coordinating their actions, with one suspect holding the door while the other fled with the jewelry.
How were the suspects caught?
The suspects were identified through surveillance footage and a witness identification. They confessed their involvement after being stopped during a traffic check in Hialeah.
What charges are the suspects facing?
The suspects are facing charges of grand theft, organized fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud, with additional charges related to petty theft.