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.
Related stories will be right here …
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
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs for 2026The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals 2026-2027” and “Findings & Metals 2026-2027.”
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
