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
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
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.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
