An illegal migrant wanted in multiple states for stealing high-end jewelry was nabbed in Florida Monday after authorities spotted a hulking $40,000 Rolex hanging off his 10-year-old son’s wrist.
Marcu Rostas, a 33-year-old “traveling gypsy,” was cuffed just one day after allegedly robbing a jewelry store in Stuart, Fla., according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
When authorities pulled over the oblivious Romanian national, he was with his wife and two young children — who were both wearing pieces of the looted luxury bling.
Rostas’ son was wearing a Rolex worth more than $40,000 much too big for his little wrist. His daughter was also wearing a pricey necklace, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cops soon found even more stolen jewels inside the car, including a $40,000 diamond ring, gold chains, gold coins, $30,000 in cash and additional deluxe watches. The sheriff estimated that the items in the car were worth a whopping $400,000.
The loot of stolen goods was hidden inside one of his children’s stuffed animals, cops said.
“Rostas traveled the nation victimizing people, but Sunday, his crime spree hit a figurative brick wall, known by many as the #WrongExit,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
The nomadic thief is wanted in multiple other states for similar robberies.
During their probe, investigators also uncovered multiple fake identifications Rostas had used and determined he was in the country illegally from Romania.
Officials said the sticky-fingered dad is part of a large group of traveling “distraction thieves,” also know as gypsies.
“Rostas is part of a larger network of traveling distraction thieves, sometimes referred to as ‘traveling gypsies,’ who move through the United States, targeting unsuspecting victims by using deceptive tricks to steal large amounts of money or valuables,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
Their schemes often include women and children who serve as distractions while the men get to pillaging, officials said.
“While one member distracts the victim, another quietly steals jewelry, cash, or other valuables within seconds. They hit jewelry stores, retail facilities, and sometimes private homes,” the sheriff’s office added.
Rostas hasn’t been charged yet. Immigration officers responded to the scne of his arrest and an ICE detainer was placed on him.
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