3 Arrested for Attempting to Sell $400K in Coins

Three suspects were arrested, after trying to sell a suitcase full of stolen collectable coins worth more than $400,000.

On Dec. 14, a victim reported that gold, silver and collectable coins valued at more than $400,000 were taken during a burglary of a residence in the 3700 block of Breezemont Drive in Sarasota, according to the .

Det. Maria Llovio issued a notification to retailers about the stolen gold and collectable coins. A day after the burglary, two people attempted to sell the coins to American Coin and Collectibles, after verifying the value of the coins at another shop, police said.

Two days later, on Dec. 17, the suspects returned to the store — which is located outside city limits — to sell the coins, police said, and at that point the store alerted authorities.

deputies responded. When the suspects became aware that law enforcement officers were on their way, the suspects fled out the rear door, leaving the suitcase and the coins in the store, police said.

Deputies ran after Justin Gerken, 21 and Benjamin Hilliard, 22 before arresting them. The victim of the burglary responded to the location and identified the recovered coins as items taken during the burglary, police said.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Gerken and Hilliard on charges of dealing in stolen property. Hilliard was also charged by deputies with violation of probation, relating to a previous arrest for burglary, and resisting arrest without violence. 

Sarasota Police then arrested Gerken again on Dec. 22 on one charge of grand theft in excess of $100,000, after the continued investigation by Llovio and Detective Jack Carter, police said. 

Sarasota Police also charged Jessica Striewski, 19, with grand theft $100,000 or more, dealing in stolen property, and fraud – false owner information on a pawn slip. 

The law enforcement agencies say the cooperation between the Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department were key in the arrest.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact Carter at 941-954-7088.