NJ, NY men accused of $2M in NYC diamond jewelry armed robberies
💠 Feds say a crew of armed robbers stole $2M in jewelry
💠 3 NJ men are among those facing federal robbery charges
💠 The crew wore construction worker jackets
A crew of men from New Jersey and New York has been accused of two armed jewelry heists months apart in Manhattan, worth over $2 million — with an approach like something out of a movie.
Federal agents say the robbers dressed as construction workers to make their entrances and getaways easier, in holding up two separate high-end jewelry stores — one of which takes customers by appointment only.
Frank DiPietro, of Red Bank, Vincent Spagnuolo, of Monmouth Beach, and Samuel Sorce, of Florham Park, were among five men arrested on Tuesday.
Frank DiPietro (left) Vincent Spagnuolo (U.S. District Court complaint)
Also facing federal charges were two New Yorkers: Vincent Cerchio, of Queens, and Michael Sellick, of Long Island.
Each of the men have been charged with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in connection with a crime of violence.
💠 Armed robbery while employees changed street-level jewelry display
DiPietro and Spagnuolo, both 65, along with Cerchio and Sellick were charged in connection with the Jan. 3 robbery of a store on Madison Avenue in Midtown.
Among diamond-laden pieces stolen that day were a 73-carat necklace, a 6-carat ring and a 17-carat pair of earrings, federal prosecutors said.
Crew accused of stealing $2M in diamonds, jewelry (U.S. Attorney’s Office)
According to a criminal complaint, the first company targeted has a penthouse office
in a building on Madison Avenue and admits customers with appointments, only.
However, workers routinely