CrimeJul 30, 2024
Florida Man Charged with Selling Fake Native American JewelryCrimeAug 07, 2024
Authorities Arrest Alleged ‘Black Bin Crew’ Jewelry Thieves
The men are believed to be responsible for more than 20 jewelry store burglaries across the United States.
Authorities have arrested three men believed to be connected to a string of burglaries in jewelry stores across the U.S. (Image courtesy of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office)
Zanesville, Ohio—Authorities arrested three men accused of being part of the “Black Bin Crew,” a group said to be responsible for more than 20 jewelry store burglaries nationwide.
Higuera Reyes-Flores, Rafael Hernandez, and Pedro Garcia allegedly forced their way into a jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio, on Aug. 1, according to an alert from the Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
As they were filling up black bins with stolen jewelry, hence the nickname, they were met by 15 law enforcement officers and three K9 teams.
Officials from various law enforcement agencies had been tracking their movements for two weeks prior to the crime and were able to catch them in the act, according to a press release from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
The men were arrested without incident.
“This crew’s method of operating was found to be consistent with at least 22 other jewelry store burglaries nationwide, which JSA was aware of, which occurred over a period of several years,” said JSA.
The string of burglaries the men are accused of occurred throughout the Southeast and Midwest, with the total value of jewelry stolen exceeding $3 million, said the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
Higuera Reyes-Flores, Rafael Hernandez, and Pedro Garcia allegedly forced their way into a jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio, on Aug. 1, according to an alert from the Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
As they were filling up black bins with stolen jewelry, hence the nickname, they were met by 15 law enforcement officers and three K9 teams.
Officials from various law enforcement agencies had been tracking their movements for two weeks prior to the crime and were able to catch them in the act, according to a press release from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
The men were arrested without incident.
“This crew’s method of operating was found to be consistent with at least 22 other jewelry store burglaries nationwide, which JSA was aware of, which occurred over a period of several years,” said JSA.
The string of burglaries the men are accused of occurred throughout the Southeast and Midwest, with the total value of jewelry stolen exceeding $3 million, said the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
JSA sent out a crime alert in December 2023 about a crime authorities are also pinning on the Black Bin Crew.
On Nov. 17, 2023, the men allegedly committed a burglary at a jewelry store in Suwanee, Georgia.
The loss was estimated to be at least $300,000, according to an Instagram post by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FSCO).
A detective from FSCO took the case and led an investigation into the Black Bin Crew’s crimes.
The lead detective tracked the crew to Columbus, Ohio, and reached out to local authorities, including the Columbus Police Department, FBI Columbus, the Zanesville Police Department, and the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
“The lead detective’s relentless efforts in investigating this pattern helped lead to the apprehension of these suspects in Ohio,” said JSA.
Sheriff Ron Freeman of Forsyth County said, “Yet again, felons stupidly thought Forsyth was a place to commit crimes. Hope they enjoyed their months of freedom. Because of great police work by FCSO detectives, they now get to enjoy trials and jails in multiple states. Don't worry, we'll leave the light on for you at Hotel Freeman."
FCSO has obtained warrants for burglary, smash and grab, and criminal damage to property in the second degree.
The men are being held without bond at the request of Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch during a hearing Monday.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20MDubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSAThe American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-ResidenceRebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in HiringSmith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy WinnerThe company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch CategoryThe “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT ManagerDavid Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the IndustryFrom retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent AwardEleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VPJoseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 DaysThe trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
