MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A teen from Big Pine Key is the latest person to face charges in connection with the theft of a high-value gold chain in Monroe County. On Tuesday, February 24, sheriff’s detectives arrested 18-year-old Jayden James Wells, marking the second apprehension in an investigation that began earlier this month.
The case centers on a gold chain valued at approximately $40,000. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the jewelry was stolen from a man while he was incarcerated. Investigators initially focused on 38-year-old Alicia Marie Trottier, who was identified as the primary suspect.
After obtaining a warrant, detectives teamed up with state probation officers to search a home on Big Coppitt Key on February 18.
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During that search, authorities located Trottier and took her into custody on charges of grand theft. While at the scene, the stolen gold chain was recovered and turned over to the police. Officers also arrested another individual present at the residence, 80-year-old Steven Edward Gnapp, though his arrest was for a probation violation unrelated to the jewelry case.
The investigation didn’t stop with the recovery of the chain. Detectives eventually uncovered evidence that Wells had allegedly used a power drill and a grinding stone to deface the jewelry. Police say these tools were used to strip away specific engravings that would have identified the chain. As a result, Wells has been charged with criminal mischief for his role in altering the stolen property.
While two people are currently facing charges, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office noted that the case remains open.
Detectives are still looking into the details of the theft and the subsequent attempt to hide the jewelry’s origin, and they have not ruled out the possibility of further charges as the investigation continues.
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