CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison
The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
Last week, a judge in Zanesville, Ohio, sentenced the three men known as the “Black Bin Crew” to 10-plus years in prison each, the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office said. (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)
Zanesville, Ohio—Three men wanted in a string of jewelry store burglaries spanning seven states will spend between 14 and 16 years in prison, the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office announced last week.
Rafael Flores Hernandez, 39, of Mexico, 44-year-old Pedro Garcia of Los Angeles, and Reyes Flores Higuera, 51, of Mexico, became known as the “Black Bin Crew” because they used black plastic bins or totes to stash the jewelry they stole, officials said.
They were arrested in August while in the midst of burglarizing a jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio.
According to the Muskingum County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office, Hernandez, Garcia, and Higuera all pleaded guilty to felony charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and aggravated theft.
On Dec. 10, Muskingum County Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced Hernandez to 16 1/2 years in prison in the state of Ohio, while Garcia and Higuera each got 14 years behind bars.
According to prosecutors, the trio’s crime spree began in May 2023 when they broke into a jewelry store in Illinois, smashed up the cases, and threw the jewelry in what would become their signature black bins.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance warned of the crew in a December 2023 crime alert after they broke into a jewelry store in Suwanee, Georgia, early on the morning of Nov. 17.
The three men smashed the store’s showcases with a pickaxe, and stole high-end watches, engagement rings, and necklaces.
(Jewelers, JSA noted in the alert, should always store all of their merchandise out of sight overnight; whatever doesn’t fit in the vault should be locked up in a closet or drawers.)
Related stories will be right here …
Rafael Flores Hernandez, 39, of Mexico, 44-year-old Pedro Garcia of Los Angeles, and Reyes Flores Higuera, 51, of Mexico, became known as the “Black Bin Crew” because they used black plastic bins or totes to stash the jewelry they stole, officials said.
They were arrested in August while in the midst of burglarizing a jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio.
According to the Muskingum County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office, Hernandez, Garcia, and Higuera all pleaded guilty to felony charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and aggravated theft.
On Dec. 10, Muskingum County Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced Hernandez to 16 1/2 years in prison in the state of Ohio, while Garcia and Higuera each got 14 years behind bars.
According to prosecutors, the trio’s crime spree began in May 2023 when they broke into a jewelry store in Illinois, smashed up the cases, and threw the jewelry in what would become their signature black bins.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance warned of the crew in a December 2023 crime alert after they broke into a jewelry store in Suwanee, Georgia, early on the morning of Nov. 17.
The three men smashed the store’s showcases with a pickaxe, and stole high-end watches, engagement rings, and necklaces.
(Jewelers, JSA noted in the alert, should always store all of their merchandise out of sight overnight; whatever doesn’t fit in the vault should be locked up in a closet or drawers.)
Following the Suwanee robbery, Detective Caleb Martin with the Forsyth County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office took an interest in the case, conducting what the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office described as a “dogged, one-man nationwide manhunt for the crew.”
Martin worked with JSA to track down details of other thefts, watch surveillance videos, and coordinate intelligence from other agencies.
In July 2024, he contacted the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office about the “Black Bin Crew,” and officers with the sheriff’s office and Zanesville Police Department began surveilling the trio, even placing a tracking device on their car.
Police also kept an eye on the local jewelry store they believed the crew would attempt to rob.
Around 4 a.m. on Aug. 1, the crew struck and officers, who were waiting nearby, moved in to arrest them.
The prosecutor’s office said Hernandez, Garcia, and Higuera had smashed the store’s showcases and had more than $170,000 worth of merchandise in their black bins when they were arrested.
All told, the three men are suspected of perpetrating more than 20 similar jewelry store smash-and-grab thefts in seven states across the Southwest and Midwest: Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia.
Each burglary lasted about 2 minutes and they made off with more than $3 million in jewelry total, the prosecutor’s office said.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
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.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
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.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
