A couple of illegal immigrants were apparently planning to snag some pricey jewels in Florida on Monday, after police discovered a $40,000 Rolex on their 10-year-old son.
Marcu Rostas, aged 33 and described as a “Traveling Gypsy,” was arrested just a day after he allegedly robbed a jewelry store in Stuart, Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
He was apprehended while with his wife and their two young children, drawing attention as a well-known Romanian group.
The boy was wearing a Rolex that seemed far too large for his small wrist, while his sister was adorned with an expensive necklace, as mentioned by the sheriff’s office.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered further stolen jewels in their vehicle, including a $40,000 diamond ring, a gold chain, and $30,000 in cash, bringing the total value of the items in the car to an astonishing $400,000.
Interestingly, the stolen jewelry was cleverly concealed among the children’s stuffed animals, police reported.
The sheriff’s office remarked that Rostas’ journeys across the country at the expense of others hit a sudden halt, branding it a rude awakening.
Law enforcement is searching for his accomplices in several other states due to similar thefts.
As the investigation continued, multiple fake IDs belonging to Rostas were found, revealing that he was illegally residing in the U.S. after coming from Romania.
Officials indicated that he was part of a broader group of “distraction thieves,” commonly referred to as Gypsies.
This network reportedly uses deceitful tactics combined with the presence of women and children to distract victims while the men carry out the thefts, targeting jewelry stores, retail locations, and even private homes.
As of now, Rostas hasn’t faced any charges, although immigration authorities have been notified following his arrest, and an immigration detainer has been placed on him.
