The Umansky Law Firm

On the day two DeLand women were to graduate from Florida Technical College, one was invited to the other's house to borrow clothes for the ceremony. Although she was allowed to borrow shoes and clothes, she also allegedly took an expensive piece of jewelry. The bracelet was taken out of a locked safe and was going to be worn by the owner to the college graduation.

The alleged victim of the crime noticed the bracelet missing the night of the graduation ceremony, but waited nearly a month to report the theft to police and hoped her classmate would return it during that time.

The diamond bracelet is valued at nearly $30,000. It is an 18-carat white gold bangle bracelet with 148 channel-set baguette cut diamonds and 60 prong-set round brilliant-cut diamonds. According to investigators, the bracelet was pawned for $250 on July 7 by the alleged perpetrator. It was then redeemed on July 9.

The perpetrator said she pawned an engagement ring and a pair of earrings to pay bills, but didn't say anything about the bracelet until she was questioned. She then stated that it was a gift from her Miami Beach fiancé and that she had given it to him for safekeeping.

The victim showed investigators documents of appraisal made in December 2003. The alleged thief was arrested and charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property. She is being held in Volusia County Branch Jail on $40,000 bail.

Police have not yet found her fiancé or the diamond bracelet.

If you have been charged with grand theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.