Warrants Lead to Arrest for Rochester Jewelry Smash & Grab Theft

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing a felony charge for an alleged smash-and-grab jewelry theft at a Rochester store. 

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The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday, says Rochester police officers responded to an unnamed retailer in northwest Rochester on the report of a jewelry theft on Tuesday. 

An employee told police a male walked into the jewelry section, broke open the plexiglass on one of the jewelry spinner cases and stole multiple necklace pendants, necklaces, and earrings, the complaint says. 

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Charges: Rochester, MN Man Over $2K Worth of Jewelry During Smash-and-Grab Theft at Rochester Store

Police obtained a description of the suspect and the vehicle he was traveling in. Officers learned the store had been victimized in the past by a similar suspect, traveling in the same vehicle, according to the complaint. 

Investigators used the vehicle to connect the suspect to a residence in northeast Rochester and executed search warrants for the vehicle and home. Police found clothing that matched the theft suspect’s outfit during the search, the charges say. 

Officers identified the suspect as 25-year-old Keith Cabrera Mendoza. Investigators executed a second search warrant for Mendoza’s person and residence and located some of the items reported stolen from the store, the court filing says. 

Mendoza is accused of stealing 24 items from the retailer, valued at $2,582.03, the complaint states. He denied committing the theft. 

He’s charged with felony theft and misdemeanor fourth-degree damage to property. 

A judge set Mendoza’s bail at $20,000 during his first court appearance on Friday. He’s due back in court later this month.