Montco DA Launches Website For Victims To Search For $1.5 Million Worth Of Jewelry Stolen From Homes

Authorities are searching for the owners of 50,000 pieces of jewelry which were stolen from 15 expensive homes by a Montgomery County man.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has launched a website to help victims see if their stolen property has been recovered by law enforcement so that they can get it back.

The robberies occurred at homes throughout the region, including eight residences in Montgomery County, six in Delaware County, and one in Chester County, the DA said.

Wasim Shazad, of East Norriton, was arrested in January as the ringleader and charged with felony counts of corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and more after selling the stolen jewelry at his stores, the DA said.

DA Kevin Steele said that sharing the photos of the stolen items - available on the county's website here - could also help authorities identify other potential victims. The stolen items were recovered from Shazad's business on Jeweler's Row in Philadelphia, and their origin may expand beyond the 15 homes already identified.

The burglaries, which involved four other men who were arrested last July, occurred between Aug. 2015 and July 2016, the DA said. But it's possible these men were involved in additional burglaries.

The most commonly stolen item was jewelry, but the suspects also targeted money, coins, other precious metals, and high-end purses, authorities said.

"We want to find the rightful owners of as many pieces of jewelry and other items as possible and be able to return them as soon as the prosecution will allow," said DA Kevin Steele.

In total, victims lost more than $1.5 million due to the burglaries. In addition to Shazad, the four other men arrested were Kebbie Ramseur, Jerrel Jaynes, Shron Linder, and Ralph Mayrant, according to authorities. Those four face felony charges of burglary, theft, robbery, and related counts related to all 15 incidents, the DA said.

If you recognize one of the pieces of jewelry on the website, contact Lower Merion police officer Cynthia Yoder at cyoder@lowermerion.org, or at 610-645-6238.

Police from Abington, Lower Merion, Whitemarsh, Marple, Radnor, Newtown Square, Kennett Square, New Castle County in Delaware, and Cherry Hill in New Jersey have assisted in this investigation.

Image courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office