CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesCrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery
Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
A federal grand jury in California has indicted four of the more than two dozen masked men who robbed a California jewelry store last June after ramming a car through the storefront to gain entry.
Oakland, Calif.—Four California men have been charged in connection with the June 2025 robbery of a jewelry store in Fremont, California.
A federal grand jury indicted Afatupetaiki Faasisila, 20, of San Bruno, Jose Herrada-Aragon, 20, of Concord, Andres Palestino, 19, of Concord, and Tom Parker Donegan, 19, of Fairfield.
The Dec. 18 indictment, unsealed last week, charges each man with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce, according to a statement shared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
On June 18, 2025, the men allegedly were among the more than two dozen masked individuals who took part in a takeover-style robbery of a jewelry store located on Mowry Avenue in Fremont, according to the criminal complaint.
Surveillance video shows a gray Honda ramming into the front of the store to gain entry.
One individual pointed a gun at the store’s security guard, while another held the guard’s arms and forced him to the ground, said officials.
The masked group then rushed into the business, which was occupied at the time.
Using hammers and other tools, the group smashed the store’s display cases, grabbed the jewelry and fled in waiting vehicles.
The loss was estimated at around $1.7 million, said officials.
According to the complaint, Donegan drove one of the getaway vehicles.
Police officers pursued him, and he crashed the getaway car, a vehicle that had been reported as stolen, along the way.
The four defendants exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but officers caught up with them.
Several pieces of stolen jewelry were recovered along the route the defendants took.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of robbery affecting interstate commerce.
Anyone who has information about this case can contact the FBI at 415-553-7400 or online at Tips.FBI.gov.
Related stories will be right here …
A federal grand jury indicted Afatupetaiki Faasisila, 20, of San Bruno, Jose Herrada-Aragon, 20, of Concord, Andres Palestino, 19, of Concord, and Tom Parker Donegan, 19, of Fairfield.
The Dec. 18 indictment, unsealed last week, charges each man with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce, according to a statement shared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
On June 18, 2025, the men allegedly were among the more than two dozen masked individuals who took part in a takeover-style robbery of a jewelry store located on Mowry Avenue in Fremont, according to the criminal complaint.
Surveillance video shows a gray Honda ramming into the front of the store to gain entry.
One individual pointed a gun at the store’s security guard, while another held the guard’s arms and forced him to the ground, said officials.
The masked group then rushed into the business, which was occupied at the time.
Using hammers and other tools, the group smashed the store’s display cases, grabbed the jewelry and fled in waiting vehicles.
The loss was estimated at around $1.7 million, said officials.
According to the complaint, Donegan drove one of the getaway vehicles.
Police officers pursued him, and he crashed the getaway car, a vehicle that had been reported as stolen, along the way.
The four defendants exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but officers caught up with them.
Several pieces of stolen jewelry were recovered along the route the defendants took.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of robbery affecting interstate commerce.
Anyone who has information about this case can contact the FBI at 415-553-7400 or online at Tips.FBI.gov.
The robbery was one of at least a dozen smash-and-grabs involving a vehicle that took place in California last year.
In an interview with National Jeweler on Tuesday, Jewelers’ Security Alliance Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky spoke about the ongoing smash-and-grab robberies in California and what jewelers nationwide can do to protect themselves and their businesses.
“California jewelers are on high alert,” he said, noting nine smash-and-grab robberies in the last month.
Guginsky also pointed to a recent shooting at a flea market in Stockton, California, that left three people dead.
A jeweler who was present at the flea market during the shooting told a local news station that his father was shot and killed at the same market while selling jewelry there in 2012.
While thieves aren’t using vehicles to ram into stores at the same rate seen this past summer, the trend of large groups armed with sledgehammers has continued, Guginsky said.
He urged jewelers to take extra precautions, particularly given the high price of gold, which was almost $4,900 an ounce as of press time.
While diamond jewelry and watches hold value, they’re not as easy to get rid of and cash in on as gold, he said.
Guginsky noted the recent robbery of Gustavo Oro 14K, a jewelry store in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The thieves sought out gold pieces, making off with an estimated $1.5 million worth of jewelry.
There were also two smash-and-grab robberies in Bristol and Milford, Connecticut, over the long weekend, though Guginsky said those followed a different pattern than what’s occurring in California.
“They’re targeting [stores] because of the price of gold and it’s only going to get worse. Jewelers need to change the way they operate,” he said.
He advised jewelers to hire more security guards, have buzzers on their doors, and utilize GPS tracking technology.
Jewelers also should be mindful of frequent visitors who may be casing the store and wary of phone calls asking questions about the store’s hours, employees, and security.
Virtual tours available online are also an easy way for thieves to learn more about a store’s layout.
Guginsky said jewelers should reinforce showcases with laminated glass and have fewer pieces of gold jewelry on display.
He also suggested that jewelers update their inventory lists and have an up-to-date policy with their insurance companies.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
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.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
