CrimeSep 12, 2023
5 in NYC Diamond District Charged in Illegal Money Transfer SchemeCrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray Robbery
The suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.
Pablo Armando Valenzuela of the Bronx, New York, seen here on surveillance video, was sentenced to 70 months in prison in connection to the armed robbery of a jewelry store.
New York—One of the men who committed an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York, in August 2022 using a firearm, bear spray, and hammers, has been sentenced.
Pablo Armando Valenzuela, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, nearly six years, by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York.
Valenzuela previously pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
On the evening of August 10, 2022, Valenzuela, along with at least five other suspects, robbed a jewelry store on East Fordham Road wearing ski masks.
Valenzuela entered first and sprayed a can of bear spray into the employees’ eyes, temporarily blinding them.
Customers, including children, were present in the store at the time, said the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The five other masked robbers then entered, using hammers to break into the glass display cases, taking $800,000 in merchandise, according to the New York Police Department.
The men fled in different directions, on foot, in cars, and on the backs of mopeds driven by co-conspirators who acted as lookouts and getaway drivers.
As the men fled, Valenzuela sprayed the bear spray at bystanders, many of whom were taken to the hospital.
Related stories will be right here …
Pablo Armando Valenzuela, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, nearly six years, by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York.
Valenzuela previously pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
On the evening of August 10, 2022, Valenzuela, along with at least five other suspects, robbed a jewelry store on East Fordham Road wearing ski masks.
Valenzuela entered first and sprayed a can of bear spray into the employees’ eyes, temporarily blinding them.
Customers, including children, were present in the store at the time, said the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The five other masked robbers then entered, using hammers to break into the glass display cases, taking $800,000 in merchandise, according to the New York Police Department.
The men fled in different directions, on foot, in cars, and on the backs of mopeds driven by co-conspirators who acted as lookouts and getaway drivers.
As the men fled, Valenzuela sprayed the bear spray at bystanders, many of whom were taken to the hospital.
“The defendant committed a violent armed robbery of a Bronx jewelry store and injured innocent employees and bystanders by spraying a can of extremely hazardous bear spray directly into their faces,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
“Violent criminals who commit firearms offenses and terrorize hardworking New Yorkers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
In addition to his prison term, Valenzuela was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
His co-defendant, Aaron Miller, pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and will be sentenced on Dec. 1.
The other suspects have not been apprehended.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
