LINCOLN, Neb. — Two teenagers were taken into custody Friday after police say they attempted to sell thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen jewelry at a Lincoln mall.
Lincoln Police officers were called to Riddles Jewelry inside Gateway Mall after store employees reported a suspicious situation involving high-value jewelry. According to police, 18-year-old Ariana Mulloy entered the store with a 15-year-old companion and asked whether the business purchased diamonds and gold.
Court records indicate the pair showed an employee a ring and a necklace and claimed the items belonged to a relative. While the employee was preparing a price quote, another individual warned that the jewelry might be stolen. The store then declined to purchase the items.
Officers later located both teens inside Gateway Mall. Police said the pair attempted to walk away when they noticed officers but were told to stop. During questioning, the 15-year-old again stated the jewelry came from a relative and that they were trying to sell it.
Store employees estimated the jewelry included a $500 pearl necklace, a $7,000 solitaire diamond ring, and a $4,500 to $6,000 diamond pendant necklace, placing the total value between $12,000 and $13,500.
When asked to provide contact information for the relative, the teens initially refused. After eventually supplying the information, police contacted the relative, who reported the jewelry missing and said it was last seen on Nov. 28, according to court documents.
Both teens were taken into custody. Mulloy was booked into the Lancaster County Jail and charged with theft by unlawful taking greater than $5,000. The 15-year-old was taken to the Lancaster County Youth Services Center.
