High-end jewelry thief pleads guilty to golf course heists

A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Monday to stealing more than $300,000 in expensive jewelry, including Rolex and Tag Heuer watches, from people at golf courses in Nevada and other states.

Jeffrey Cochran, 47, admitted selling the items at trade shows, jewelry stores and pawn shops between September 2010 and March 2012, Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said.

Cochran pleaded guilty to two counts of possession and sale of stolen goods and is to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro on Oct. 18.

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas police as part of a joint law enforcement effort to combat organized retail theft.

Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Follow @JGermanRJ on Twitter.