by Martin County, FL – Authorities in Florida arrested a Romanian national accused of stealing high-end jewellery across multiple states, after spotting a $40,000 Rolex dangling from his 10-year-old son’s wrist.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Marcu Rostas, was taken into custody Monday, just a day after allegedly robbing a jewellery store in Stuart, Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Family Caught Wearing Looted Luxury
Deputies stopped Rostas while he was traveling with his wife and two young children. Shockingly, both children were wearing stolen jewelry.
- His son wore a Rolex watch worth more than $40,000, far too large for the boy’s wrist.
- His daughter was seen wearing a valuable necklace.
A search of the car turned up even more stolen goods, including:
- A $40,000 diamond ring
- Gold chains and coins
- Several luxury watches
- Approximately $30,000 in cash
Investigators said the haul, concealed partly inside one of the children’s stuffed animals, was valued at around $400,000.
Wanted Nationwide
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Rostas is wanted in multiple states for similar robberies. Authorities also recovered several fake identifications used by Rostas and confirmed that he is in the country illegally.
Sheriff’s deputies described him as part of a network of traveling “distraction thieves,” often referred to as “gypsies,” who move across the United States targeting unsuspecting victims.
A Deceptive Crime Network
According to investigators, these organized groups use deceptive tactics to steal large amounts of cash and valuables.
- Women and children are often used as decoys to distract store clerks or homeowners.
- Meanwhile, other members quietly snatch jewelry, watches, or money within seconds.
- Their targets include jewelry stores, retail outlets, and occasionally private residences.
“Rostas is part of a larger network of traveling distraction thieves… who move through the United States, targeting unsuspecting victims by using deceptive tricks to steal large amounts of money or valuables,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Immigration Involvement
Although Rostas has not yet been formally charged in Florida, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers responded to the scene and placed a detainer on him.
Sheriff’s officials said Rostas’ cross-country crime spree may finally have come to an end after what they called “the #WrongExit.”
