PORT CHARLOTTE — A Los Angeles man was arrested by Charlotte County deputies last week after he was allegedly linked to a jewelry heist at Port Charlotte Town Center.
About $200,000 was lost in the March theft, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Williams Andres Torres-Parra, 45, was charged with one count of grand theft. He is being held at Charlotte County Jail on $100,000 bond.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an alleged theft at Port Charlotte Town Center on March 7.
A security guard told deputies a woman came close to the mall’s opening time and asked when the food court opened. She also claimed to work for a clothing store in the mall and spoke “broken English.”
Because she seemed to be in need, the guard took her aside and offered some food and water.
Another witness saw at least one person approach a jewelry kiosk at the same time the guard was helping the woman. Allegedly, the suspect used a crowbar to break open the display case and take several necklaces and bracelets.