NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Staten Island man was charged Friday for stealing merchandise from six jewelry shops over the past year, and prosecutors have also linked him to a theft worth $120,000 dating back to 2021.
Aaron Smalls, 39, was arraigned on charges of grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing expensive pieces of jewelry from stores throughout Queens, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced
Smalls targeted six shops between December 2023 and February 2024, making off with merchandise valued at more than $50,000. DNA evidence also tied him to a theft of gold chains worth $120,000 from 2021, according to Katz.
Court documents revealed that Smalls’ method was to ask jewelry store clerks to show him an expensive item from a security case. Once the store clerk handed over the merchandise, he would immediately run away from the store.
On Dec. 14, 2023, he allegedly stole two gold chains worth over $4,000 from HR Gold and Diamond Inc. on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights.
A week later, on Dec. 21, 2023, he reportedly stole a gold chain worth about $2,400 from Queens Pawn & Jewelry on Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst.
Then, on Dec. 28, he allegedly swiped a gold chain with a large pendant bearing the image of Jesus, valued at around $20,000, from Gold Tower USA Inc. on Junction Boulevard in Corona.
Smalls is also accused of stealing a gold chain and bracelet together worth approximately $17,000 from Zales on Steinway Street in Astoria on Jan. 1, 2024. The theft spree continued on Feb. 6, when he reportedly made off with two gold chains worth around $9,000 from Prime Jewelers on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.
Prosecutors have also linked Smalls to a Sept. 26, 2021, theft of 25 gold chains valued at approximately $120,000 from Simon and Son Jewelers on 63rd Drive in Rego Park. DNA evidence recovered from a sweat-stained hat he left behind tied him to the crime, prosecutors said.
“The defendant is accused of preying upon local jewelry stores by committing brazen thefts that go back to 2021,” Katz said. “My office is committed to addressing the issue of serial shoplifters who disproportionately contribute to retail thefts across the borough. Ensuring the safety of our store owners, their employees, and customers is essential to a vibrant economy. We can never lose sight of the fact that communities
thrive when local businesses thrive.”
Smalls was also arraigned on a separate complaint charging him with robbery in the third degree, attempted assault in the second degree and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly punching a man and stealing his bank card on Aug. 3, 2021, in Corona.