CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesCrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store Burglary
Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Authorities arrested the above seven suspects in connection with the burglary of a jewelry store in Glendale, California.
Glendale, Calif.—Police officers in Glendale, California, arrested and charged seven suspects in connection with the burglary of a jewelry store and the attempted burglary of another.
On May 27, over the Memorial Day weekend, officers responded to a burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry, where a hole had been cut through the roof of the business, according to a press release from the Glendale Police Department.
An unknown amount of jewelry had been stolen from the premises, said police, though local reports estimated the value of the stolen goods at more than $1 million.
A GoFundMe was started by a family member of the store’s owner, Manail Bidrussian, to help the business recover. As of press time, $13,450 has been raised, with a goal of $60,000.
The family-owned business has served the Glendale community for more than 45 years, according to the GoFundMe
The burglary was “calculated and professional,” it said, noting the thieves allegedly used torch guns to melt through the safes.
“In a matter of hours, they had stolen the entire inventory—45 years of hard work, memories, and the foundation of a family’s livelihood—gone, just like that.”
Manail Bidrussian took over his parents’ business years ago as his father’s health declined, according to the GoFundMe.
“This is more than a financial loss. It’s a devastating blow to a man who kept a promise, who upheld his father’s dream, and who poured his soul into continuing something that meant everything to his family.”
Following the incident, the police department’s burglary detectives launched an investigation, coordinating with local agencies and initiating surveillance on the suspected group of burglars.
On the evening of June 29, investigators received information that the suspects were planning to target Rodeo Jewelers in La Verne, California.
Police said the suspects were trying to get into the store via the roof when law enforcement officials arrived to take them into custody.
Related stories will be right here …
On May 27, over the Memorial Day weekend, officers responded to a burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry, where a hole had been cut through the roof of the business, according to a press release from the Glendale Police Department.
An unknown amount of jewelry had been stolen from the premises, said police, though local reports estimated the value of the stolen goods at more than $1 million.
A GoFundMe was started by a family member of the store’s owner, Manail Bidrussian, to help the business recover. As of press time, $13,450 has been raised, with a goal of $60,000.
The family-owned business has served the Glendale community for more than 45 years, according to the GoFundMe
The burglary was “calculated and professional,” it said, noting the thieves allegedly used torch guns to melt through the safes.
“In a matter of hours, they had stolen the entire inventory—45 years of hard work, memories, and the foundation of a family’s livelihood—gone, just like that.”
Manail Bidrussian took over his parents’ business years ago as his father’s health declined, according to the GoFundMe.
“This is more than a financial loss. It’s a devastating blow to a man who kept a promise, who upheld his father’s dream, and who poured his soul into continuing something that meant everything to his family.”
Following the incident, the police department’s burglary detectives launched an investigation, coordinating with local agencies and initiating surveillance on the suspected group of burglars.
On the evening of June 29, investigators received information that the suspects were planning to target Rodeo Jewelers in La Verne, California.
Police said the suspects were trying to get into the store via the roof when law enforcement officials arrived to take them into custody.
The group used signal jammers and cut wires at the location, according to police.
The infrastructure damage disabled 911 and internet service to more than a million homes and hospitals, according to a local news report.
Of the eight suspects on the scene, police officers arrested seven of them, including Jose Millafil, Javier Sepulveda, Cristian Gonzalezaburto, Luka Pazitiani, Vera Matias, Victor Iturriagalopez, and Edson Gonzalez.
The men are believed to have committed similar crimes both in the U.S. and their respective countries of origin. They are in the custody of the Glendale Police as of July 1.
The suspects have been charged with multiple felonies, according to the local report, including grand theft, second-degree commercial burglary, and vandalism of a fiber optic cable. The men pleaded not guilty to all charges, with bail set at $2 million each.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 28.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department’s Burglary Unit at 818-548-3127.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
