Suspects in San Francisco Bay Area Jewelry Thefts Arrested by San Ramon Officers
SAN RAMON — A recently arrested couple is suspected of robbing jewelry from elderly victims throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The pair was detected by an automated license plate reader and taken into custody by San Ramon police.
The suspects were arrested following a traffic stop at Crow Canyon Road and Reedland Circle on January 17. Their license plate matched a vehicle linked to jewelry thefts that occurred in San Ramon.
Since late November, San Ramon police have received 10 reports from elderly victims robbed of their jewelry. One victim was left bleeding, after thieves robbed her of a gold necklace and 2- caret diamond ring.
All the victims were approached by a woman who placed costume jewelry on them, and quickly removed their more expensive jewelry.
In a prepared statement San Ramon police said: “The suspect used confusion and sleight-of- hand techniques to remove the victim’s jewelry before fleeing to a waiting vehicle.
Presently, Alex Ghiocel, 24 and Elena Gunici ,21, both of Fullerton, face multiple felony charges. These charges include grand theft (PC 487) and conspiracy to commit a crime PC 182(a)(1). In
addition, they face charges for theft from an elder/dependent adult PC 368(d)(1).
The status of Ghiocel is unclear. However, Gunici remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in lieu of $100,000 bond.
The investigation of jewelry thefts involving elderly victims remains ongoing. Anyone with information can email San Ramon Detective Michael Wickman at mwickman@sanramon.ca.gov.
