Suspect arrested in jewelry thefts
Laguna Beach police have arrested a suspect in connection to a string of commercial burglaries targeting sellers of Native American jewelry.
Jeffrey Todd Stark, 51, was taken into custody outside his Corona del Mar home Thursday morning after a DNA analysis linked him to one of the burglaries. According to police, traces of Stark’s blood were left at the scene, and he had injuries consistent with the evidence.
After entering Stark’s home with a search warrant, officers discovered several pieces of Native American jewelry allegedly taken during the burglaries, which date back to December, according to a news release from police.
An investigation also allegedly revealed that Stark was in possession of the vehicle seen leaving the scene of most recent burglary.
Stark is suspected in five burglaries that targeted galleries and stores in Laguna Beach over the last few months. All the incidents involved shattering a window with a rock to gain access.
According to police, DNA evidence has also linked Stark to a Newport Beach burglary.
The most recent theft was March 10 at Kokopelli Gallery, 332 Forest Ave. Stark matches the description of the suspect caught on tape. He stole $3,500 worth of jewelry from there within 30 seconds, police said in a news release issued Monday. Police believe he then fled through an adjacent building and may have used a parked vehicle on Ocean Avenue.
The first of the thefts was reported Dec. 29. Police said the suspect entered Len Wood’s Indian Territory at 305 N. Coast Hwy. through a broken window and stole $3,000 worth of jewelry, which included Navajo coins.
On Jan. 22, Indian Territory had another window shattered and $15,000 worth of jewelry stolen from its display cases. According to the release, the items included a Navajo collector’s set, which had 11 concha coral medallions.
On Jan. 30, Great Exchange Consignment at 976 S. Coast Hwy. had its front window smashed and jewelry stolen from a display case. Several pieces were found dropped on the street. The estimated loss was not available.
Kokopelli Gallery reported another burglary Feb. 29. Again, the front window was shattered and $10,000 worth of jewelry and stones was taken. The gallery also reported a watch worth $806 that was stolen Feb. 18, but it is unknown if that theft is related to the other two.
Stark was booked at the Laguna Beach Police Department on four counts of commercial burglary and possession of stolen property. Laguna Beach police said the Newport Beach Police Department might add additional charges at a later date.
The video of the March 10 burglary at Kokopelli Gallery can be viewed on YouTube here.
Twitter: @joannaclay