Colombian Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Orchestrating Nationwide Jewelry Heists, Including Connecticut

A federal judge has handed down a two-year prison sentence to Leydi Vanessa Piza-Escobar, a Colombian national, for her pivotal role in a sophisticated, nationwide jewelry theft ring. The illicit operation, which leveraged cunning diversion tactics and often involved children, targeted high-end jewelry stores across multiple states, including a string of incidents that left Connecticut retailers reeling.

Piza-Escobar, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

Her sentencing also includes three years of supervised release and an order to pay $10,480 in restitution, a fraction of the total losses incurred by the victimized businesses. Prosecutors described the ring as a “Fagin-like scheme,” referencing the character from Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” who trained children in pickpocketing.

The intricate scheme typically involved groups of individuals entering luxury jewelry stores.

While some members created a deliberate distraction—such as spilling a drink, asking for items from behind the counter, or causing a commotion—others would deftly swipe high-value items, including Rolex watches, designer jewelry, and loose diamonds. The stolen goods were then transported across state lines, often destined for out-of-country markets.

Connecticut was a significant target for this syndicate.

Among the documented incidents, Piza-Escobar was directly implicated in a February 2023 theft at a jewelry store in Fairfield, where members of the ring made off with a substantial amount of merchandise. Similar incidents linked to the larger network occurred in Westport and Milford, highlighting the group's methodical approach and broad geographical reach.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and various local police departments, collaborated extensively to dismantle this extensive criminal enterprise.

The investigation revealed that Piza-Escobar and her co-conspirators were part of what is widely known as “South American Theft Groups” (SATGs), which are highly organized and often employ similar methods to defraud retailers globally. Authorities emphasized the disruptive impact these rings have on local businesses and the economy.

This sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in organized retail theft.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut underscored its commitment to prosecuting individuals who cross state lines to commit such crimes, ensuring justice for victims and protecting legitimate businesses from these predatory schemes.