Rolex on child's wrist leads to arrest of robbery suspect

A $40,000 Rolex watch on the wrist of a 10-year-old boy led police to arrest a suspected jewelry thief.

Marcu Rostas, a 33-year-old Romanian national, was arrested on 25/8, one day after allegedly robbing a jewelry store in Stuart, Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Rostas was pulled over during a traffic stop with his wife and two children. Police noticed Rostas’ 10-year-old son wearing an oversized $40,000 Rolex. His daughter was also wearing expensive jewelry.

Inside the vehicle, officers found more stolen jewelry, including a $40,000 diamond ring, gold necklaces, gold coins, $30,000 in cash, and several other luxury watches.

The stolen goods, estimated at $400,000, were hidden inside the children's stuffed animals, according to police.

Stolen items recovered from stuffed animals inside the vehicle. Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office

Stolen items recovered from stuffed animals inside the vehicle. Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office

The Martin County Sheriff's Office said Rostas is wanted in several other states for similar robberies.

Investigators also discovered that Rostas had entered the US illegally from Romania and was using fake identification.

Rostas is believed to be part of a larger theft ring that uses women and children as distractions while other members steal money and valuables. The group operates across a wide area, constantly moving, and targets jewelry stores, retail establishments, and private homes.