CrimeAug 03, 2023
Thieves Nab Nearly $1M in Jewels in Calif. Smash-and-Grab CrimeAug 08, 2023
5 Charged in March Armed Robbery at California Store
GPS tracking information from a stolen Rolex helped investigators identify the suspects wanted for the robbery at Heller Jewelers.
GPS tracking information from a stolen Rolex watch led to the arrest of five of the almost dozen individuals allegedly involved in the March armed robbery of Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, California.
San Francisco—Five individuals have been charged for their alleged roles in the million-dollar armed heist that took place at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, California, on March 17.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in California’s Northern District, the defendants are Sunia Mafileo Faavesi, 30; Ryan Kentrell Montgomery, 35; Paul Christopher Tonga, 33; 34-year-old Kyle Vehikite; and John Ioane Tupou, 30.
All but Tupou, who remains at large, were arrested July 26 and made their initial court appearance July 27.
All five face a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce, and the government has filed a motion asking they be detained pretrial, the statement says.
An affidavit, signed by a special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), was unsealed at the defendants’ initial appearance.
It outlines how GPS information from one of the Rolex watches stolen from the store helped investigators identify Tonga as being involved the day of the robbery and led to a covert investigation resulting in the identification of the four other suspects.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in California’s Northern District, the defendants are Sunia Mafileo Faavesi, 30; Ryan Kentrell Montgomery, 35; Paul Christopher Tonga, 33; 34-year-old Kyle Vehikite; and John Ioane Tupou, 30.
All but Tupou, who remains at large, were arrested July 26 and made their initial court appearance July 27.
All five face a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce, and the government has filed a motion asking they be detained pretrial, the statement says.
An affidavit, signed by a special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), was unsealed at the defendants’ initial appearance.
It outlines how GPS information from one of the Rolex watches stolen from the store helped investigators identify Tonga as being involved the day of the robbery and led to a covert investigation resulting in the identification of the four other suspects.
According to court papers, a week prior to the robbery, the individuals cased the store, returning in the afternoon on March 17 with at least 11 others, some armed, to execute the approximately one-minute robbery.
Seven masked suspects approached the store, with one holding the door security guard at gunpoint while the other six entered.
Once inside, another suspect pulled out a gun, pointing it at customers and employees and demanding they get on the ground.
The remaining five individuals smashed display cases with hammers and stuffed jewelry and watches into a duffel bag. All suspects left in getaway vehicles with more than $1 million in jewels and Rolex watches.
Court papers said approximately 10 people were inside the store during the robbery, which took place at the crowded City Center Bishop Ranch shopping center in the middle of the day. Multiple bystanders, including children, fled the scene.
Surveillance footage showed two cars leaving the lot with suspects; the vehicles were found abandoned later in the day.
Witnesses helped law enforcement identify two additional cars, including a blue Toyota Sequoia registered to a family member of Tonga. It was involved in a hit-and-run collision leaving the mall, resulting in two injured victims.
Officers from the San Ramon Police Department arrived as the four cars were fleeing.
Court papers said that following the robbery, investigators were able to quickly activate a GPS tracking chip embedded in the cushion of the packaging of one of the stolen Rolexes.
They were able to watch the Rolex move in “precise concert” with Tonga’s Toyota Sequoia, which was seen by live surveilling officers traveling across the San Mateo Bridge, leading them later to the abandoned cars.
During a search of the Sequoia in the days following the robbery, investigators located weapons, drugs and masks that were matched through Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to Tonga and Tupou.
Tonga’s iCloud data and phone records revealed “tightly coordinated movements across multiple parties—including both the defendants and as-yet unidentified co-conspirators—both the day of the robbery and at a casing event,” according to court papers.
Also, the defendants’ phone data places them simultaneously with the watch GPS at the site where the two cars were dumped after the robbery.
“But for the good fortune of the identification of Tonga’s vehicle on the day of the robbery and the activation of the GPS chip, none of this may have been possible, and defendants may have avoided prosecution,” court papers state.
The FBI is investigating a claim in the affidavit that one of the suspects was receiving inside information on the investigation via text from a clerk at the local police department.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000, according to the statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
News of the charges in the March armed robbery in San Ramon comes amid a string of smash-and-grab robberies that have been plaguing California jewelers over the last few months.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s most recent annual crime report shows that the number of smash-and-grab robberies nearly doubled in 2022.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
