New York jewelry raiders dressed as construction workers to blend in

Five defendants have been charged with the robberies of two Manhattan jewelry stores in which approximately $2m of items were stolen at gunpoint.  Frank Dipietro, Vincent Cerchio, Vincent Spagnuolo and Michael Sellick were charged in connection with the January 3 robbery of a jewelry store on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, while Samuel Sorce was charged in connection with the May 20 robbery of a jewelry store on Elizabeth Street in lower Manhattan. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “These five defendants allegedly carried out brazen and dangerous daylight robberies of jewelry stores in Manhattan, stealing about $2m in jewelry at gunpoint. “Dressed as construction workers, the defendants allegedly sought to blend into the busy streets around them before pointing guns at the jewelry stores’ employees and carrying out about $2m in stolen diamonds and other valuable pieces.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael Driscoll added: “The defendants allegedly brazenly robbed Manhattan jewelry stores of approximately $2m worth of merchandise at gunpoint. Violent robberies, especially those with firearms, will not be tolerated by the FBI and our partners in law enforcement.” Surveillance footage from the area of the first robbery indicates that the defendants had prepared for the robbery by ‘casing’ the scene the day before. The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.