NEW YORK — Two individuals operating a pawnshop in New York City, who were apprehended by the FBI during an investigation linked to a burglary involving Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, were denied bail on Friday. Federal Judge William Kuntz expressed that it would be “ironic” to allow the men to be released just days ahead of the Super Bowl.
“No thank you,” remarked Judge Kuntz while directing that Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar remain in custody until their trial scheduled for August. “This is one Super Bowl they’ll have to sit on the sidelines for.”
The FBI conducted a raid on the pawnshop, located in Manhattan’s Diamond District, earlier this week. This area, spanning just over a city block, houses around 2,600 jewelers and serves as a significant entry point for diamonds into the United States.
Prosecutors revealed that a significant amount of suspected stolen items was discovered both in the pawnshop and in storage units in New Jersey belonging to Nezhinskiy. Authorities claimed that the pawnshop operated as a fencing establishment, playing a crucial role in the market for stolen goods, thereby incentivizing burglary crews to target affluent residences across the nation.
Although specific robbery charges have not been levied against Nezhinskiy and Villar, prosecutors in New York stated that phone records connect Nezhinskiy to one of the individuals charged in the burglary of Burrow’s home while he was occupied with a game last year.
Those involved in the burglary reportedly documented their exploits by taking selfies with some of the stolen items, which included jewelry, luxury watches, and designer goods. Notably, one individual adorned themselves with necklaces featuring the number 9 and “JB9,” referencing Burrow’s jersey number.
This particular incident followed a series of similar robberies aimed at high-profile American athletes. Notable figures such as NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have also been victims, with Kelce and Mahomes now contending for their third consecutive title against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in New Orleans.
Prosecutors mentioned that the thieves had also seized luxury items from the residences of NBA players like Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The investigation into these audacious burglaries has crossed state lines and has resulted in at least six arrests; however, it remains unclear whether the incidents are connected.
Authorities noted that the criminal crews, primarily consisting of foreign nationals from South America, typically targeted homes while the athletes were away, including during their teams’ away games.
Nezhinskiy’s attorney indicated a plan to appeal the judge’s decision to detain the 43-year-old Georgian national, who resides in New Jersey. Prior to this ruling, a magistrate had initially set bail at $1 million, supported by two family properties in New Jersey and $150,000 in cash.
“The family is extremely upset with this change of events,” attorney Todd Greenberg commented following the hearing. “They expect him to be home to fight this case.”
Villar’s attorney also mentioned they were evaluating the possibility of an appeal. “It’s alarming,” remarked Lauriano Guzman, emphasizing that his 48-year-old client had secured release less than a day prior after posting $500,000 bail.
The defense attorneys countered claims from prosecutors that the crimes their clients were accused of were of a violent nature. Prosecutors contended that the two men, who have pleaded not guilty to the stolen property charges, have extensive criminal histories, present a potential danger to society, and could be flight risks.
“Their conduct promotes victimization of individuals in their homes and endangers communities on a large scale,” prosecutors stated in their legal documents. “This behavior is not isolated but has persisted for years.”
“No thank you,” remarked Judge Kuntz while directing that Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar remain in custody until their trial scheduled for August. “This is one Super Bowl they’ll have to sit on the sidelines for.”
The FBI conducted a raid on the pawnshop, located in Manhattan’s Diamond District, earlier this week. This area, spanning just over a city block, houses around 2,600 jewelers and serves as a significant entry point for diamonds into the United States.
Prosecutors revealed that a significant amount of suspected stolen items was discovered both in the pawnshop and in storage units in New Jersey belonging to Nezhinskiy. Authorities claimed that the pawnshop operated as a fencing establishment, playing a crucial role in the market for stolen goods, thereby incentivizing burglary crews to target affluent residences across the nation.
Although specific robbery charges have not been levied against Nezhinskiy and Villar, prosecutors in New York stated that phone records connect Nezhinskiy to one of the individuals charged in the burglary of Burrow’s home while he was occupied with a game last year.
Those involved in the burglary reportedly documented their exploits by taking selfies with some of the stolen items, which included jewelry, luxury watches, and designer goods. Notably, one individual adorned themselves with necklaces featuring the number 9 and “JB9,” referencing Burrow’s jersey number.
This particular incident followed a series of similar robberies aimed at high-profile American athletes. Notable figures such as NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have also been victims, with Kelce and Mahomes now contending for their third consecutive title against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in New Orleans.
Prosecutors mentioned that the thieves had also seized luxury items from the residences of NBA players like Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The investigation into these audacious burglaries has crossed state lines and has resulted in at least six arrests; however, it remains unclear whether the incidents are connected.
Authorities noted that the criminal crews, primarily consisting of foreign nationals from South America, typically targeted homes while the athletes were away, including during their teams’ away games.
Nezhinskiy’s attorney indicated a plan to appeal the judge’s decision to detain the 43-year-old Georgian national, who resides in New Jersey. Prior to this ruling, a magistrate had initially set bail at $1 million, supported by two family properties in New Jersey and $150,000 in cash.
“The family is extremely upset with this change of events,” attorney Todd Greenberg commented following the hearing. “They expect him to be home to fight this case.”
Villar’s attorney also mentioned they were evaluating the possibility of an appeal. “It’s alarming,” remarked Lauriano Guzman, emphasizing that his 48-year-old client had secured release less than a day prior after posting $500,000 bail.
The defense attorneys countered claims from prosecutors that the crimes their clients were accused of were of a violent nature. Prosecutors contended that the two men, who have pleaded not guilty to the stolen property charges, have extensive criminal histories, present a potential danger to society, and could be flight risks.
“Their conduct promotes victimization of individuals in their homes and endangers communities on a large scale,” prosecutors stated in their legal documents. “This behavior is not isolated but has persisted for years.”
