CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District
One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
Two men, identified as Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar, who operated a business in New York City’s Diamond District, were charged with running a fencing operation for South American theft groups.
New York—Two men have been charged with running a fencing operation in New York City’s Diamond District, selling watches and jewelry stolen by burglary gangs based out of South America.
Last week, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 43-year-old Dimitriy Nezhinskiy of North Bergen, New Jersey, and 48-year-old Juan Villar of Queens, New York, with conspiracy to receive stolen property related to their purchasing of stolen goods that traveled across state lines.
The men were arrested on Feb. 4, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The indictment alleges that between 2020 and 2025, the men conspired with others to receive and purchase stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags, and other luxury items that had been stolen outside of New York and transported into the state.
The men allegedly served as “fences,” individuals who knowingly buy stolen property and then sell it to make money, for burglary crews based in South America.
These crews are said to travel around the United States targeting wealthy neighborhoods and jewelry vendors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said evidence links Nezhinskiy and Villar to several thefts around the country, including crimes committed by Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a “prolific” burglar who committed at least 16 residential burglaries across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020.
“The defendants’ alleged actions incentivized highly organized South American theft groups to continue their meticulous looting scheme against a myriad of affluent residences and businesses across the country,” said James Dennehy, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.
“With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to dismantle any criminal activity curated to capitalize on victims’ losses and establish an economic demand for ill-obtained merchandise within our city.”
Phone records and video surveillance allegedly also link Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man crew believed to be involved in the Dec. 9 burglary of the home of “a high-profile athlete in Ohio,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Last week, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 43-year-old Dimitriy Nezhinskiy of North Bergen, New Jersey, and 48-year-old Juan Villar of Queens, New York, with conspiracy to receive stolen property related to their purchasing of stolen goods that traveled across state lines.
The men were arrested on Feb. 4, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The indictment alleges that between 2020 and 2025, the men conspired with others to receive and purchase stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags, and other luxury items that had been stolen outside of New York and transported into the state.
The men allegedly served as “fences,” individuals who knowingly buy stolen property and then sell it to make money, for burglary crews based in South America.
These crews are said to travel around the United States targeting wealthy neighborhoods and jewelry vendors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said evidence links Nezhinskiy and Villar to several thefts around the country, including crimes committed by Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a “prolific” burglar who committed at least 16 residential burglaries across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020.
“The defendants’ alleged actions incentivized highly organized South American theft groups to continue their meticulous looting scheme against a myriad of affluent residences and businesses across the country,” said James Dennehy, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.
“With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to dismantle any criminal activity curated to capitalize on victims’ losses and establish an economic demand for ill-obtained merchandise within our city.”
Phone records and video surveillance allegedly also link Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man crew believed to be involved in the Dec. 9 burglary of the home of “a high-profile athlete in Ohio,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Three men believed to be part of a South American Theft Group have been indicted for federal crimes related to the burglary of an NFL player’s Cincinnati home. The case is being investigated by the #FBI & the SW Ohio South American Theft Group Task Force. https://t.co/dS0LJ8FooW pic.twitter.com/Tuf2Oc2xfb
— FBI Cincinnati (@FBICincinnati) February 5, 2025
It has been widely reported that this athlete is Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose home was burglarized on that day while he was playing an away game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The four-man crew who allegedly burglarized Burrows’ house were arrested during a traffic stop in Clark County, Nevada, in January.
Notably, last October, the homes of two other NFL stars, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, were broken into days apart.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not respond when asked if the three burglaries are believed to be connected.
Evidence shows Nezhinskiy was in contact with the four-man crew less than one week before the burglary in Ohio, said officials.
According to the release, an undercover detective went to the Diamond District to investigate Nezhinskiy and Villar’s operation.
Between October 2022 and January 2024, the detective made seven controlled sales of purported stolen property, including luxury handbags and accessories, to the two at their business.
The undercover detective told the men that these goods had been stolen, said officials, and received cash in exchange.
On Feb. 4, officials executed a search warrant on Nezhinskiy and Villar’s pawn shop in the Diamond District, seizing “large quantities” of allegedly stolen property, including dozens of luxury watches and jewelry, as well as cash and cannabis.
Law enforcement simultaneously searched storage units belonging to Nezhinskiy in New Jersey, uncovering even more allegedly stolen property, including jewelry, high-end handbags, wine, sports memorabilia, and artwork, according to the release.
Officials also found power tools they said are commonly used in burglaries and for opening safes.
Nezhinskiy and Villar were arraigned on Feb. 5 and their attorneys entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
The pair attempted to be let out on bail but a judge denied their requests, as per a New York Post report, with a trial date set for Aug. 4.
Their attorneys said both men would be interested in plea deals, and both plan to appeal the judge’s decision to deny/revoke bail, according to the Post.
If Nezhinskiy and Villar are convicted of receipt of stolen goods, they face up to 10 years in prison.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
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.
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.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingJan 21, 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.
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.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
