Rochester, NY – Two pawn shop co-owners have been arrested following a major retail theft investigation that uncovered more than $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies executed a search warrant on Nov. 5 at Rochester Jewelry and Tek on Mt. Read Boulevard in Greece, where investigators discovered 1,869 stolen items with an estimated retail value of nearly $66,000. Officials say the total operation extended far beyond that, involving stolen goods from a variety of major retailers.
The suspects, identified as Juan Gabriel Diaz, 42, of Rochester, and Tolga Tevfik Turmen, 33, of Greece, allegedly purchased new, unopened merchandise stolen from stores, then resold the items for profit. Investigators also seized illegal prescription drugs packaged for resale, along with tools, hardware, small appliances, and generators.
Both men face multiple felony charges, including criminal possession of stolen property, money laundering, falsifying business records, and possession of a controlled substance. They were released without bail pending their next court appearance.
Sheriff Todd Baxter condemned the scheme, stating, “Everyone in our community pays for this—from our business owners in lost sales to our neighbors who now have to pay higher prices to make up for it.”
The Greece Police Department assisted in the investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities say additional charges may follow.
