Detectives Seek Con Artist Stealing Jewelry Being Worn by Victims

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Fairfax County, VA — Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have identified a woman connected to several thefts committed through sleight of hand.

On March 20, at 1:30 p.m. the victim was returning her shopping cart in the 6900 block of Hechinger Drive in Springfield when a white SUV pulled up next to her in the parking lot. A woman lured the victim towards the vehicle and placed a ring on the victim’s finger while conversing about jewelry. The woman hugged the victim and placed a necklace around her neck, taking the victim’s actual necklace in the process. The driver pulled away at which time the victim realized the theft. Surveillance video of that incident is below.

At 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot in the 13900 block of Metrotech Drive in Chantilly, another victim was approached by the occupants of a black SUV. The front passenger asked for directions while the rear female passenger placed a fake gold necklace on the victim, stealing the victim’s gold necklace. The thieves left in the vehicle prior to the victim realizing the theft.

At 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the 12900 block of Wood Crescent Circle near Herndon for a similar theft. The victim was walking when she was approached by a woman who said it was her birthday, asked for a hug, and offered her a fake ring. The woman removed the victim’s necklace then quickly entered a white SUV and left the area. Surveillance video of that incident is below.

At 3:55 p.m., the victim was approached by a black SUV in the parking lot in the 6800 block of Commerce Street in Franconia. A female passenger who was described as 50-years-old with red hair and gold teeth attempted to converse and offer her jewelry. The woman placed a necklace around her neck that the victim immediately recognized as costume jewelry. The rear passenger, described as a 25-year-old female with a headscarf began speaking to the victim as the front passenger held her hand. The vehicle quickly left the area at which point the victim realized her necklace and bracelets had been replaced with costume jewelry.

Through their review of surveillance footage and License Plate Reader data, detectives identified one of the vehicles involved as a white 2026 Toyota Highlander registered out of state. A nationwide bulletin was shared regarding this vehicle.

On March 21, Delaware State Police found and stopped the Highlander as it entered a shopping center in New Castle. Cristina Milhaela Paun, 21, of Baltimore, was detained and identified by Delaware State Troopers as one of the occupants.

Through detectives’ investigation, they were able to positively identify Paun as being involved in the Wood Crescent Circle and the Hechinger Drive thefts. Detectives obtained warrants for Paun for Felony Pickpocketing and Robbery. Paun is currently wanted and detectives are seeking information of her whereabouts.

Watch today’s press release, here.

Detectives continue to investigate the thefts and other similar incidents in the County.

Here are five practical safety tips FCPD would like to share:

  • Keep your distance.
    If someone approaches you trying to sell jewelry, especially in a parking lot or on the street, maintain space and avoid close physical contact.
  • Do not accept or try on items.
    Pickpockets often use this tactic to distract you and may remove your real jewelry while placing fake items on you.
  • Stay alert to distractions.
    Be cautious if the person is overly friendly, persistent, or trying to rush the interaction. These are common tactics used to lower your guard.
  • Secure your valuables.
    Keep jewelry, wallets, and phones out of reach and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
  • Trust your instincts and report it.
    If something feels off, leave the area immediately and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, providing descriptions if possible.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Paun’s whereabouts or information about any of these, or similar incidents, to call our Reston Police Station at 703-478-0904 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

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