Two men from New York are facing robbery and bias-motivated crime charges after a string of fake jewelry scams reported in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
According to Steamboat Springs police, the first report came in on April 30 from a man who said he was approached on Sunlight Drive by an individual claiming he needed money for food and gas. The suspect offered to sell gold jewelry for $600. After the sale, the victim discovered the jewelry was fake.
A second incident was reported on May 1. A man who had pulled over on South Lincoln Avenue was approached by a suspect in a silver Ford Expedition with Utah plates. The suspect asked if the man was Peruvian, then pressured him for gas money. The victim gave some cash, but when the suspect saw more money in his wallet, he became aggressive. After more pressure, the victim handed over $500 and received a necklace, allegedly worth $5,000.
Soon after, a second suspect approached the same vehicle and also demanded money. The victim, still under pressure, gave another $500—but this time received nothing in return.
Police are now investigating a third similar report.
The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Nikolaj Huh and 31-year-old David Alexandru, were later located by local law enforcement. Both men admitted to knowingly selling fake jewelry. One reportedly stated they never claimed the jewelry was real, and that they were deliberately targeting Hispanic individuals.
A search of their vehicle turned up more fake jewelry and over $2,500 in cash.
Huh and Alexandru were arrested and held on $8,000 cash or surety bonds. They were scheduled to appear in court on May 2. Charges had not yet appeared on the Colorado Courts website at the time of reporting.
