Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a $1.2 million jewelry theft that began in Lawrence and stretched into New Jersey.
According to the Nassau County Major Case Squad, a 59-year-old Lawrence jeweler left his home on February 12 at approximately 10:40 a.m. and traveled to Manalapan, New Jersey, where merchandise valued at approximately $1.2 million was stolen from his vehicle.
Investigators determined that the victim’s residence had been surveilled multiple times prior to the theft and that he was followed from Nassau County into New Jersey.
The Major Case Squad, working in conjunction with the Manalapan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tampa Bay office, identified three suspects.
On February 20, 2026, authorities arrested:
• Yina Paola, 34, of Corona
• Jairo Fernan Diaz, 43, of College Point
• Cristian Adolfo Preciado Almanza, who is undomiciled
All three defendants were charged with Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and released on appearance tickets. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took custody of the suspects following their release.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
