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.

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.
The Latest

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

Allison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.


Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.

Its investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Nicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.