Ex-employee accused of stealing more than $100K in diamonds

A former Sam’s Club employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly admitting to stealing diamonds from the business.

Carlos Flores-Ochoa was fired on Nov. 8 after his manager noticed an increase in theft since he started working in the jewelry department a month earlier, according to an arrest report from the Metropolitan Police Department.

Store employees at 8080 W. Tropical Parkway told police they believe Flores-Ochoa stole 23 diamonds, including rings, earrings and bracelets, worth $146,807.

Detectives found video of Flores-Ochoa disarming the security system on a glass case, removing jewelry and putting it in his work vest multiple times from Oct. 12 to Nov. 4, according to the arrest report.

The manager told police Flores-Ochoa admitted to pawning the jewelry. Police recovered more than $30,000 in stolen diamonds after asking local pawn shops if they recognized the man and what he had sold to them.

Flores-Ochoa faces two counts of obtaining money under false pretenses, two counts of burglary of a business and one charge of theft over $100,000.

He was arrested Tuesday afternoon at a North Las Vegas home on North Frederick Street, according to the report. Police did not disclose if Flores-Ochoa made any statements to police.

He was released on his own recognizance Wednesday in Las Vegas Justice Court and expected to appear again May 15.

Contact Sabrina Schnur at sschnur@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0278. Follow @sabrina_schnur on Twitter.