Detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit have arrested 32-year-old Michael Anthony Kelly of St. Petersburg following an extensive investigation into the theft of luxury watches from a local jewelry business.
The probe began on May 15, 2025, after Gold & Diamond Source, located at 3800 Ulmerton Road, reported suspected internal theft. Investigators identified Kelly, an employee at the store, as the individual responsible for manipulating the point-of-sale system to conceal the thefts.
Between October 31, 2021, and May 3, 2025, Kelly created fake trade-in and sales transactions, making it appear that customers exchanged watches. In reality, no customers were involved, and Kelly removed watches from inventory by hiding them in his suit jacket.
Surveillance footage confirmed Kelly entered these fraudulent transactions multiple times. Investigators determined that he stole 36 watches, causing the business losses exceeding $650,000.
Kelly’s employment was terminated on May 10, 2025. He was arrested on June 5, 2025, and charged with scheme to defraud. He is currently booked in the Pinellas County Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing.
