A Massachusetts man has been arrested after allegedly trying to leave the country after a jewelry heist.
According to police, on Saturday, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Barnstable Police Officers responded to Guerra Jewelers, located at 33 Bassett Lane in Hyannis, following a reported commercial alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the business had been forcibly entered and numerous items of jewelry had been stolen.
The business owner reported the theft of multiple gold and silver items, including chains, pendants, and rings. Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation showed a suspect, armed with a firearm, forcibly kicking in the front door before entering the business, smashing the display cases and stealing merchandise.
During the course of the investigation, detectives received information identifying a possible suspect as Diego Goncalves De Souza, 34, of Hyannis. Detectives developed additional evidence linking De Souza to the break-in, including witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle information, and the identification of jewelry believed to have been stolen during the incident.
Investigators determined that De Souza was attempting to leave the United States and had booked an international flight departing from Boston Logan International Airport. Working in coordination with the Massachusetts State Police Troop F and airport authorities, BPD Detectives located De Souza at Logan Airport on Sunday morning.
De Souza was taken into custody without incident prior to boarding his flight. He was subsequently transported to the Barnstable Police Department for booking.
At the time of his arrest, detectives recovered multiple pieces of jewelry from De Souza’s person and belongings. The items were seized as evidence and are being processed as part of the ongoing investigation.
De Souza has been charged with Breaking and Entering a Building in the Nighttime for a Felony, Larceny Over $1,200, Two Counts of Vandalizing Property, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Court records show that De Souza was held in custody over the weekend and was arraigned in the Barnstable District Court Monday where he pled not guilty and was being held on $2,500 bond/$250 cash bail.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for December 21st.
The Barnstable Police Department thanked the Massachusetts State Police, Troop F Detective Unit and members of the public who provided valuable information that assisted investigators in quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect.
As with all criminal defendants, the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
