US Marine arrested in Texas after stealing over $500,000 in jewelry in two separate heists, authorities say

US Marine Marcelo Majeed Hernandez had been identified after a "very thorough investigation."

A US Marine was arrested in Texas on Thursday after authorities accused him of stealing jewelry worth over $500,000 in two separate heists.

Marcelo Majeed Hernandez, 18, was identified as the suspect in the burglaries at David Yurman Jewelry on October 13, 2023, and Helzberg Diamond on April 5, as reported by Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

He used a sledgehammer, smashed display cases and stole over 200 pieces of jewelry valued at over $380,000.

In the initial burglary, a masked individual broke into the store using a sledgehammer, vandalized display cases, and made off with over 200 pieces of jewelry valued at more than $380,000. The second incident saw the theft of over $170,000 worth of jewelry.

Hernandez came under suspicion after a detailed investigation, leading to his arrest less than a week after the second burglary. During the arrest, authorities found three handguns, $11,000 in cash, and jewelry worth $500,000, including diamonds, in his Mercedes-Benz GLA. The vehicle, captured on surveillance during the heists, was traced back to Hernandez.

Marcelo Majeed Hernandez, 18, was identified as a suspect in the two heists that occurred in Houston at David Yurman Jewelry on October 13, 2023, and at Helzberg Diamond on April 5.

Constable Mark Herman stated that most of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, with efforts underway to locate the remaining pieces.

Hernandez revealed his military status during the arrest, stating that he had recently completed boot camp with the Marine Corps about a week before one of the incidents.

Most of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, according to the constable, and deputies are working to locate the last few pieces.

The US Marine Corps acknowledged the allegations against Hernandez and stated that he was not in a drilling status at the time of the crimes. They emphasized that such behavior is not condoned by the Marine Corps.

Hernandez, residing with his parents in the Cypress neighborhood near where the thefts occurred, faces two charges of first-degree felony theft and is currently in custody with a bond set at $500,000.

During the second burglary, over $170,000 dollars worth of jewelry was stolen.

He stole hundreds of pieces of jewelry worth over $500,000 in two separate heists.