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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
