Woman Who Stole Jewelry Worn By Victims Sought By Fairfax County Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County police are asking for the public's help in locating a woman who they say stole jewelry worn by her victims as she was interacting with them.

Cristina Milhaela Paun, 21, of Baltimore, is wanted by police for felony pickpocketing and robbery following multiple incidents in Fairfax County, authorities said.

The first incident occurred on March 20 around 1:30 p.m. as the victim was returning her shopping cart in the 6900 block of Hechinger Drive in Springfield.

According to police, a white SUV pulled up next to the victim in the parking lot. Police said a woman lured the victim towards the vehicle and placed a ring on the victim’s finger while conversing about jewelry. Police said the woman hugged the victim and placed a necklace around her neck, taking the victim’s actual necklace in the process.

According to police, the woman left the area, at which time the victim realized the theft. Surveillance video of that incident is below.

Shortly after, a second victim was approached in a parking lot in the 13900 block of Metrotech Drive in Chantilly by the occupants of a black SUV. According to police, the front passenger asked for directions while the rear female passenger placed a fake gold necklace on the victim, stealing the victim’s gold necklace.

At 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the 12900 block of Wood Crescent Circle near Herndon for a similar theft. Police said the victim was walking when a woman approached her, said it was her birthday, asked for a hug, and offered her a fake ring. Police said the woman removed the victim’s necklace, then quickly entered a white SUV and left the area. Surveillance video of that incident is below.

At 3:55 p.m., another victim was approached by a black SUV in the parking lot in the 6800 block of Commerce Street in Franconia. Police said a female passenger described as 50 years old with red hair and gold teeth attempted to converse and offer her jewelry. According to police, the woman placed a necklace around her neck that the victim immediately recognized as costume jewelry.

The rear passenger, described as a 25-year-old female with a headscarf, began speaking to the victim as the front passenger held her hand, police said. The vehicle quickly left the area, at which point the victim realized her necklace and bracelets had been replaced with costume jewelry.

Through their review of surveillance footage and license plate data, detectives identified one of the vehicles involved as a white 2026 Toyota Highlander registered out of state.

On March 21, Delaware State Police found and stopped the Highlander as it entered a shopping center in New Castle. According to police, troopers detained Paun and identified her as one of the occupants.

Following an investigation, Fairfax County police positively identified Paun as being involved in the Wood Crescent Circle and the Hechinger Drive thefts, authorities said.

Paun is currently wanted by police, and detectives are seeking information about her whereabouts. Anyone with information should contact the Reston Police Station at 703-478-0904 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) or online.