A Tennessee man was nabbed at a Georgia jewelry store after attempting to sell a stolen ring worth over $95,000.
The Acworth Police Department said 41-year-old Brandon McNeece, of Whitwell, Tenn., was arrested on the following charges: theft by bringing stolen property into the state, receiving stolen property greater than $1,500, possession of cocaine and possession of meth.
McNeece reportedly walked into Celestial Jewelers on Nov. 4 with the intent to sell a 9.46-carat diamond ring to the business.
While reviewing the certificate of authenticity, store employees saw inconsistencies with the name and address and immediately began “doing a little detective work,” police said.
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The employees were able to find the phone number of the real owner, and it was determined the ring was stolen from Chattanooga, Tenn.
In a Facebook post, the jeweler said the employees tracked down the real owners and distracted the thieves until Acworth police arrived at the store.
“There is a 90-year-old lady that is super happy she is getting her ring back! So glad we could help recover such an important heirloom,” the post read.
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According to Acworth police, the motorcycle McNeece rode to the store was also stolen. The location it was stolen from wasn’t disclosed.
McNeece was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on $110,220 bond.
At the end of its Facebook post, the business reminded jewelry owners to document all of their purchases.
“Just a reminder, be sure you have pictures and appraisals of all your jewelry items in a safe, protected place just in case,” the post said.