Two Arrested after Jewelry Packages Intercepted
February 28, 24
(IDEX Online) - Two people have been arrested after packages of jewelry were allegedly intercepted from delivery companies in Sacramento, California, USA.
One of the, named as Lakisha Pettus, is accused of posing as a jewelry company employee to trick deliverers into handing over three packages, valued at $86,000.
The other, Kyle Gutierrez, is accused of taking delivery of three packages, in exchange for a small fee paid to Pettus.
The Sacramento Sheriff Department says in a social media post that the packages "were intercepted during transit using a complex scheme to trick package delivery companies".
On 15 January 15, 2024, detectives uncovered Pettus's attempt to intercept another package valued at over $65,000 and launched an undercover operation that led to the arrest of both suspects.
The sheriff department said: "During the investigation, it was discovered that Pettus has been involved in this scheme for nearly 15 years."
The JSA (Jewelers Security Alliance) is warning of "a widespread scam hitting diamond, jewelry and watch industry," and says beware of callers who use fake identities to have high-end orders shipped. See their advice here.
Pic shows suspects Gutierrez (left) and Pettus, courtesy Sacramento Sheriff Department.