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.
More on Crime
The Latest
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
