Crime

Ohio Man Arrested for $7M Heist at Wisconsin Jewelry Store

CrimeNov 17, 2020

Ohio Man Arrested for $7M Heist at Wisconsin Jewelry Store

James Patrick Quinn allegedly took part in the burglary of Treiber & Straub Jewelers four years ago.

Brookfield, Wis.—An Ohio man has been arrested and charged for his role in a $7 million heist at a Wisconsin jewelry store four years ago.

According to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, James Patrick Quinn, 55, was involved in the burglary of Treiber & Straub Jewelers in the Milwaukee suburb of Brookfield in July 2016. 

The affidavit states the burglars entered the store by cutting phone and cable lines, removing light bulbs from exterior lights, spraying foam onto external audio alarms and then prying open the back door. 

The suspects disabled the interior alarm system and cut a hole into the vault using sledgehammers and power tools, taking more than $7 million in jewelry, diamonds, watches and other items. 

Authorities allege Quinn and his accomplices likely planned the burglary a year in advance. In 2015, the jewelry store called the Brookfield Police Department to report seeing two men in surveillance footage carrying flashlights and looking into one of the store’s windows.

The camera caught a close-up of one of the men as he peered in. 

Nearly three years later, in July 2019, an FBI agent traveled to Youngstown, Ohio with a Brookfield Police Department detective to meet with local law enforcement officials there regarding the burglary.

They showed the officials stills from the surveillance footage, and they were able to identify one of the subjects as Quinn, an individual known to law enforcement as a professional burglar.

According to the affidavit, Quinn has a criminal history, with 11 arrests between 1993 and 2016, including multiple charges of theft, breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools, criminal trespass, burglary and receiving stolen property. 

A second suspect was identified only as “F.S.” 

A warrant was issued for authorities to take DNA swabs of Quinn and F.S. for comparison with what was found at Treiber & Straub Jewelers in 2016. 

They tracked Quinn down for those purposes at his Austintown, Ohio address. 

He fled when they tried to approach him, but was caught after a brief chase, according to the FBI agent’s statement, and the swab warrant was executed though no match has yet been found. 

During the chase, Quinn dropped a white plastic bag containing three paper envelopes with writing on them indicating diamonds’ carat weight, cut and clarity and three GIA report numbers that coincided with stones taken during the July 2016 burglary. 

A later search warrant of his residence also revealed a loupe and two books—“Diamonds” and “Superthief,” a book about career criminal Phil Christopher—among other items, the affidavit states. 

The call log on a cell phone found at Quinn’s residence also showed multiple calls between Youngstown, Ohio and Brookfield, Wisconsin, as well as a few locations on the route between the two. 

Based on the evidence found from July 2019 onward, the affadavit states, Quinn was arrested on Nov. 10. He was released on a $20,000 bond Tuesday. 

His next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 23.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.
tags:

The Latest

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024?

Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.

Los Angeles wildfires
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry Businesses

The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Holiday wrapped gift boxes
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRF

Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.

Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Foundrae Reach for Life collection campaign
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of Now

The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little Secret

Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Lord Jewelry brown and white diamond ring
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha Mousse

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.

Charms from designer Jenna Blake
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief

From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.

Diamonds Do Good
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board Members

Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Bucellati necklaces
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday Quarter

The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.

Picchiotti Classic Blue and Green Necklace
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ Necklace

The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.

Jameel Mohammed
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer Award

Jameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.

Gold jewelry boxes with Lux Bond & Green logo
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth Location

The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.

Timex National Park Collection
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park Watches

The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.

Elizabeth Taylor diamond line bracelet
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction

Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.

JCK open registration graphic
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for Registration

The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.

Iris Apfel
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.

Macy’s Herald Square New York City store
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround Strategy

The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee Americans with Disabilities Act guide cover
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.

Jose Hess Design Award Trophy
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for Submissions

The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.

Susan Jacques
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025

The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.

Jewelry designer and National Jeweler guest columnist Jules Kim
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and Industry

In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.

Henry A. Hänni
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies

A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.

Woman wearing rings on both hands
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall Short

The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.

Edouard Schneider
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand Officer

Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy