Pablo Armando Valenzuela, Armed Robbery, New York 2022

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Table of Contents

Armed Robbers Strike Bronx Jewelry Store

Two men have been arrested and charged with armed robbery after a brazen heist at a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York.

Pablo Armando Valenzuela, 32, and Aaron Miller, 23, both of the Bronx, allegedly stole more than $800,000 worth of jewelry from a jewelry store on August 10, 2022, while armed with a firearm, bear spray, and hammers.

According to the allegations, Valenzuela entered the store wearing a ski mask and sprayed bear spray into the eyes of employees, temporarily blinding them. Five other masked robbers, including Miller, then entered the store and used hammers to destroy glass display cases. At least one robber brandished a firearm.

The robbers made off with over $800,000 worth of jewelry before fleeing on mopeds, in cars, and by foot.

Valenzuela and Miller are charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, both of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison.

The defendants will face justice in the federal system for their brazen crime, said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. The FBI and NYPD are commended for their outstanding investigative work in bringing the defendants to justice.

The case is a stark reminder that violence will never be tolerated in our city, said NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. Actions must have consequences, and the defendants will face the full force of the law.

Valenzuela was arrested today and will be presented before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Miller was arrested yesterday.