Montco Man Sold Jewelry Stolen From 15 Area Burglaries At His Shops: DA

Five men have been arrested for a series of 15 burglaries from expensive homes throughout the area, including the owner of three storefronts on Jeweler's Row in Philadelphia who sold then sold the jewels, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday. The incidents occurred in Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties, in addition to parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

Wasim Shazad, of East Norriton, was arrested on Friday and has been 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.

The burglaries, which involved four other men who were arrested last July, occurred between Aug. 2015 and July 2016,the DA said. The most commonly stolen item was jewelry, but the suspects also targeted money and high-end purses, authorities said.

In total, victims lost more than $1.5 million due to the burglaries. Montgomery County was hit the hardest, as eight homes in Abington, Lower Merion, and Whitemarsh were victimized, according to authorities. There were six burglaries in Delaware County, in Radnor, Marple, and Newtown Square. One home in Chester County (Kennett Square) was also hit, the DA said.

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.

Shazad was arraigned Friday and has a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 2.

Image courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office