Florida has a troubling history of thefts involving precious stones, valuable minerals, and gold. These serious crimes have left law enforcement working overtime and collectors devastated by their losses. The impact goes beyond just monetary value.
The state might be famous for our beaches and theme parks, but we’ve unfortunately seen numerous mineral and gem crimes. Thieves have wrongfully taken everything from museum displays to private collections across our peninsula. Many victims never recover their stolen property.
Our state’s connection with gold dates back to the Spanish explorers who sailed our coasts. This rich history has made Florida a target for those seeking to profit through theft.
The Greatest Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Gold Heists In Florida
These are among the most notorious mineral and gemstone thefts ever recorded in Florida, from high-profile museum burglaries to shocking private collection heists.
Provident Jewelry Heist – $18,000,000+
In January 2011, Provident Jewelry in Jupiter became the target of a meticulously planned burglary, resulting in the theft of approximately $15 million worth of jewelry. This heist was considered the largest in Palm Beach County’s history at the time.
The thieves executed their plan over a weekend when the store was closed. They gained entry by breaching the roof, allowing them to bypass the store’s primary security measures. Once inside, they disabled alarm systems, ensuring they could operate without immediate detection.
This calculated approach provided them with ample time to thoroughly search the premises and access secured display cases.
Over several hours, the burglars meticulously emptied display cases, selecting high-value items and leaving with an estimated $15 million worth of jewelry. The stolen pieces included rare gemstones, luxury watches, and intricate designer pieces, representing a significant financial loss for the establishment.
The value of the crime today
Accounting for inflation and the appreciation of precious metals and gemstones, the $15 million stolen in 2011 would be valued at approximately $18 million today.
Inside Job Gold Bar Theft – $60,000,000+
In February 1983, Miami became the backdrop for a meticulously orchestrated heist that resulted in the theft of approximately $9 million in gold.
The heist unfolded when two armed individuals, disguising their identities with nylon stocking masks, forcefully entered a warehouse. This facility was responsible for storing gold bullion in transit, making it a lucrative target.
The assailants overpowered the security personnel, binding them to prevent any interference. They then loaded the gold onto a vehicle and swiftly fled the scene, leaving minimal evidence behind.
Initial investigations by local law enforcement and the FBI, who were involved due to the substantial monetary value, suggested that the perpetrators possessed intricate knowledge of the warehouse’s operations.
This suspicion led authorities to consider the possibility of an inside job. Their hypothesis was confirmed when evidence pointed to the warehouse’s operations officer as the mastermind behind the heist.
The value of the crime today
The stolen gold bullion would be valued at approximately $60 million today.
“Spiritual Cleansing” Diamond Con – $95,000,000+
In mid-2022, a complex jewelry heist unfolded, involving a self-proclaimed psychic and a high-profile victim. The scheme led to the theft of 17 pieces of jewelry, valued at approximately $90 million, from a prominent Qatari figure, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
The plot began when Sheikh Al Thani’s personal assistant, referred to as “Magdalena,” sought spiritual guidance online. She connected with an individual using the alias “Giovanni,” later identified as John Lee, a resident of Florida and New Jersey. Over several years, Lee established a relationship with Magdalena, offering psychic services and advice.
In June 2022, Lee convinced Magdalena that her personal jewelry harbored negative energies. He persuaded her to send these items to him for “cleansing.” After returning her jewelry, Lee claimed that the negative energies had transferred to her employer’s collection, posing a risk to the household.
Trusting Lee, Magdalena discreetly sent 17 pieces of Sheikh Al Thani’s jewelry to addresses associated with Lee in Florida and New Jersey.
The stolen items included a 13.15-carat pink diamond ring, valued at approximately $31 million. Lee attempted to sell this diamond, along with other pieces, significantly below their market value. In one instance, he exchanged the pink diamond for $8 million in watches and loose diamonds.
The scheme unraveled when the pink diamond appeared in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction scheduled for December 6, 2022. A vigilant diamond dealer recognized the gem and alerted authorities, leading to its withdrawal from the auction.
Subsequently, the FBI arrested John Lee on November 22, 2022, charging him with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
The value of the crime today
The stolen gems would be worth about $95 million today.
Heiress’s Palm Beach Jewel Burglary – $20,000,000+
In January 1997, the Palm Beach mansion of Kathleen DuRoss Ford, widow of Henry Ford II, was burglarized, resulting in the theft of approximately 100 pieces of jewelry. The stolen items were housed in two dark blue leather Asprey cases with combination locks.
The burglary occurred between 5 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. The thieves bypassed the home’s security system, leaving no signs of forced entry. Notably, no other items were reported missing from the residence, suggesting that the burglars specifically targeted the jewelry.
In response to the theft, Mrs. Ford offered a $200,000 reward for information leading to the return of the jewels. Her attorney, Frank Chopin, emphasized the substantial emotional and sentimental value of the jewelry to Mrs. Ford, although they were not considered heirlooms.
The Palm Beach Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched an investigation into the burglary. Photographs of several stolen pieces were released to the public in an effort to deter their resale. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved.
The value of the crime today
The exact value of the stolen jewelry was not publicly disclosed, but it’s estimated that it would be valued at approximately $20 million today.
Hotel Ambush in Tampa – $1,300,000+
In March 2024, a woman arrived at the Hilton Hotel on Lois Avenue in Tampa. As she unpacked, four masked individuals dressed in black attire forcefully entered, shouting, “Get down!” They seized her luggage containing fine jewels valued at $1.3 million.
The assailants executed a well-coordinated escape plan. Initially, they fled in a Honda Pilot. Shortly after, they switched to a Mazda CX-9 approximately half a mile away.
Subsequently, they transitioned into a blue Dodge Caravan about a mile later. This series of vehicle changes was designed to confuse law enforcement and hinder pursuit.
Law enforcement officials believe the heist was meticulously planned. The precision and timing of the attack suggest prior knowledge of the victim’s movements. Investigators are exploring potential connections between the victim and the perpetrators.
The incident has been described as “stuff you see in the movies” due to its bold execution. The Tampa Police Department has been actively pursuing leads. They have recovered one of the abandoned vehicles used in the getaway. However, the suspects remain at large. The stolen jewels have not been recovered.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewels’ value is approximately $1.3 million today.
Cross-State Jewelry Store Raid – $3,500,000+
In April 2019, Marcelo’s Fine Jewelry in Tampa experienced a significant burglary. The perpetrators initiated the heist by cutting power to the building. They then pried open the front door to gain entry.
Once inside, they breached a metal door leading to a room housing four safes. Using a torch, they managed to open one of the safes. The burglars absconded with over $3 million in gold and diamonds.
During the investigation, detectives discovered a crushed water bottle at the crime scene. DNA extracted from this bottle played a pivotal role in identifying a suspect. The DNA matched that of Marcelo Romero, a 33-year-old individual already incarcerated in Ventura County, California, for similar offenses.
Further examination linked Romero to a high-profile burglary at the Los Angeles residence of actors Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.
Romero’s criminal activities spanned multiple states. His modus operandi involved disabling security systems and employing tools like acetylene torches to access secured areas.
The arrest of Romero highlighted the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies across state lines. Detectives from Tampa and Los Angeles worked in unison to piece together evidence. This cooperation was instrumental in apprehending a suspect involved in a nationwide burglary spree.
The value of the crime today
The stolen $3 million in 2019 would be valued at approximately $3.5 million today.
“Mission: Impossible” Miami Vault Burglary – $500,000+
Over Labor Day weekend in 2023, Mint Jewelers by Boodaddy Diamonds in Hollywood was the target of a high-tech burglary. The thieves accessed the building by cutting through the roof.
They employed sophisticated equipment to disable security cameras and alarms. Once inside, they swiftly looted approximately $500,000 worth of jewelry.
Unbeknownst to the burglars, a concealed Ring security camera captured their actions. The footage provided clear images of the suspects, including moments when they inadvertently revealed their faces. This evidence became crucial for law enforcement in identifying and tracking the perpetrators.
The store owner, Christopher, expressed shock over the incident. He noted the burglars’ use of advanced jamming devices resembling bombs, which they connected to the alarm system before cutting all wires.
Despite their efforts to avoid detection, the hidden camera’s footage, along with fingerprints and DNA evidence left at the scene, provided law enforcement with substantial leads.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry would still be valued at approximately $500,000 today.
Grab-And-Go at 30A Boutique – $1,000,000+
In April 2023, a jewelry boutique located on Scenic 30A in Walton County experienced a swift and audacious theft. Three individuals—two women and one man—entered the store during the afternoon.
Within moments, they seized numerous diamond rings and Rolex watches from the display cases, accumulating over $1 million in stolen merchandise.
The trio fled the scene in a black SUV, which was later found abandoned on Serenoa Road in Santa Rosa Beach. Investigators discovered that the suspects had solicited a ride from a passerby after claiming their vehicle had broken down. This individual provided crucial information, including a phone number used by one of the suspects.
A Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigator recognized the suspects from a previous case in December 2022, where a Rolex watch was stolen using a sleight-of-hand technique.
Collaborating with the New York Police Department and Interpol, authorities tracked the suspects’ movements through cell phone data. Within two weeks, four Romanian nationals—George Paun (31), Stela Sava (26), Terca Tarnovan (31), and Vasile Lacatus (27)—were apprehended in St. Charles, Missouri.
These individuals were linked to a larger Romanian criminal network with over 1,400 members in the United States, many of whom had warrants in multiple states.
The value of the crime today
The value of the stolen items is approximately $1 million.
Prison Con Man’s Diamond Heist – $1,000,000+
In 2017, while incarcerated, convicted fraudster James Sabatino orchestrated a daring diamond heist from his prison cell. Posing as a music executive, Sabatino contacted a jeweler and requested nine diamond pieces for a purported Justin Timberlake music video shoot.
The collection included an 8.5-carat diamond valued at $580,000 and a 7.3-carat oval diamond worth $326,000, totaling approximately $926,000.
Sabatino utilized a smuggled cell phone to communicate with the jeweler, convincing them of the legitimacy of the request. Once the diamonds were delivered, they vanished, leaving the jeweler at a significant loss.
The audacity of orchestrating such a heist from behind bars highlighted Sabatino’s manipulative prowess and the challenges of preventing criminal activities within correctional facilities.
The stolen diamonds remained missing until 2022, when the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) identified them during routine evaluations and alerted the FBI. This discovery led to further investigations, confirming Sabatino’s involvement in the heist.
Already serving time for previous offenses, Sabatino received an additional 20-year sentence for this crime, underscoring the severity of his actions and the reach of his criminal endeavors.
The value of the crime today
The stolen diamonds’ worth would be approximately $1 million today.
Treasure Coast Sunken Gold Coin Caper – $1,000,000+
In 2015, treasure hunters salvaged 101 gold coins from the 1715 Fleet, a Spanish treasure fleet that sank off Florida’s coast nearly 310 years ago. However, 50 of these coins were not reported and were subsequently stolen.
Investigations into illegal sales in 2023 and 2024 led authorities to recover 37 of these stolen coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes, and auctions.
The recovered coins have an estimated combined value of over $1 million. A suspect related to the original salvage team has been identified, though it remains unclear if formal charges have been filed.
The 1715 Fleet, consisting of Spanish ships laden with treasure, met its demise during a hurricane off Florida’s central coast. Over the years, millions of dollars in gold coins from this fleet have been found by salvagers and treasure hunters.
Authorities emphasize the significance of adhering to legal protocols when discovering and handling artifacts of historical importance. The illicit sale and possession of such items not only violate the law but also disrespect the cultural heritage they represent.
The value of the crime today
The stolen 50 gold coins were valued at over $1 million, with the 37 recovered coins maintaining this estimated worth.
Museum Gold Bar Lifted by Tourists – $800,000+
In August 2010, thieves stole a $550,000 gold bar from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West. The 11-inch, 74.85-ounce bar was recovered from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Santa Margarita, which sank in 1622.
The gold bar was displayed in a glass case with an opening allowing visitors to touch it. Two individuals exploited this feature, quietly removing the bar in a “very quiet smash and grab.” Security cameras captured clear footage of the culprits, prompting investigations by the FBI and local police.
Despite the evidence, the bar remained missing for years. The museum’s insurer offered a $10,000 reward for its return. The theft was widely discussed in Key West, a town known for its treasure-hunting history.
The stolen bar had distinctive markings, including Roman numerals indicating its 16-karat purity, ownership symbols, and tax payment dots to the Spanish crown. These unique features made it easily identifiable and underscored its historical significance beyond its monetary value.
The museum emphasized the bar’s uniqueness, noting that its value extended beyond its gold content due to its historical context.
The value of the crime today
The stolen gold bar was valued at $550,000 in 2010; considering gold’s price increase and its historical significance, its current value would be higher.
Ballplayer’s Jewels Stolen from Rolls – $700,000+
In June 2022, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco experienced a significant theft in Jacksonville. While his Rolls-Royce was parked at a local hotel, a thief shattered a window and stole a safe containing jewelry valued at approximately $650,000.
The stolen items included a $300,000 diamond-encrusted chain, a $200,000 rose-gold chain, custom pendants, and championship rings. The theft was reported to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, which initiated an investigation.
Investigators identified a 24-year-old suspect who had been seen wearing some of Franco’s distinctive jewelry around town. The suspect was arrested and charged with grand theft. Many of the stolen items were recovered, though it was unclear if all were retrieved.
The value of the crime today
The stolen items’ current value is approximately $700,000.
Miami “Follow-Home” Theft – $550,000+
In November 2017, a jeweler from Atlanta attended a jewelry expo in Miami. After the event, he drove his rental car to a dealership, unaware that he was being followed. While he was inside, a thief broke into his vehicle and stole over $500,000 worth of valuables, including diamonds, Rolex watches, and cash.
Surveillance footage showed a silver Nissan Rogue tailing the jeweler’s car. A suspect in a hoodie was seen breaking into the vehicle. The entire theft took only minutes.
This type of crime, known as a “follow-home” robbery, is particularly concerning for traveling dealers. Criminals target individuals they believe are carrying valuable items and follow them to a less secure location to commit the theft.
Such incidents highlight the need for heightened awareness and security measures among professionals transporting high-value goods.
The value of the crime today
Considering inflation and the appreciation of luxury items, the stolen goods’ value would be approximately $550,000 today.
Miami “Rolex Ripper” Scams – $500,000+
Throughout the 2010s, Miami’s vibrant nightlife became a hunting ground for cunning thieves targeting affluent individuals. Attractive women would engage wealthy men in upscale venues. After gaining their trust, they would drug these men, making it easy to steal their expensive watches and jewelry.
One notable incident occurred in 2019. A man met a woman during a night out in Miami Beach. After spending time together, he invited her to his Bal Harbour condo. The next morning, he woke up feeling disoriented and discovered that his 120-carat diamond necklace and other valuable items, totaling $483,000, were missing.
Investigations revealed that the woman had posted pictures on social media wearing the stolen Rolex, leading to her arrest.
These “Rolex Ripper” scams were not isolated incidents. In 2023, a man who had recently moved to South Florida fell victim to a similar scheme. He met a woman at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
After spending time together, he invited her to his home. The following day, he realized his cherished Rolex, a family heirloom, was gone.
The prevalence of these scams highlights the importance of vigilance. Victims often felt embarrassed, making them hesitant to report the crimes. Law enforcement agencies have since increased public awareness, advising individuals to exercise caution when engaging with strangers in social settings.
The value of the crime today
The stolen items’ worth would be approximately $500,000 today.
Sean Kingston’s Bling Fraud – 1,050,000+
In 2024, R&B singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, faced serious legal troubles. They were accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud multiple businesses out of over $1 million. The alleged victims included a jeweler, a luxury car dealer, and a custom bed manufacturer.
Authorities claimed that Kingston and his mother used fraudulent documents to acquire high-end goods without paying. The items allegedly obtained included nearly $500,000 in jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade worth approximately $160,000, and a custom bed valued at over $86,000.
In May 2024, law enforcement raided Kingston’s rented mansion in Southwest Ranches. During the raid, Turner was arrested, while Kingston was in California for a performance. He was later arrested in California and extradited to Florida to face charges.
The charges against them included organized fraud, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification information. If convicted, each count could result in up to 20 years in prison. Both Kingston and his mother pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As of early 2025, the case remains ongoing, with both defendants awaiting trial. They continue to assert their innocence, and their legal team is actively challenging the charges. The outcome of this high-profile case is yet to be determined.
The value of the crime today
The alleged defrauded amount would be approximately $1.05 million today.
