BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Yesenia Melendez Rincon, a 41-year-old Colombian citizen formerly living in Florida, was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for her involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that caused over $1.33 million in losses.
Federal prosecutors said Melendez Rincon participated in a criminal network that targeted jewelry stores and kiosks in malls across the U.S. From May 2023 through April 2024, she and several associates burglarized multiple stores, transporting stolen goods across state lines.
Notably, Melendez Rincon and her crew burglarized stores at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford on October 5, 2023. Other thefts linked to the group occurred in Lombard, Illinois; Hamilton Township, New Jersey; and Henrico, Virginia, contributing to the total losses.
Investigators revealed that Melendez Rincon often scouted locations, acted as a lookout during break-ins, and was involved in selling stolen jewelry. A photo from her iCloud showed her wearing a unique heart-shaped ring stolen from the Milford burglary.
The theft ring also conducted major heists resulting in $3.1 million in stolen jewelry from stores in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and New York. Law enforcement noted additional casing activity in several other states.
Since her arrest in July 2024, Melendez Rincon pleaded guilty to conspiracy in July 2025. She was remanded to U.S. Marshals custody after her sentencing hearing.
Upon completing her prison term, Melendez Rincon will face immigration proceedings.
