Wallpaper Installer Stole Designer Watches From LI Homes: Police

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A wallpaper installer was arrested for stealing designer watches worth tens of thousands of dollars from multiple homes where he was working, police said.

The Garden City and Old Westbury police departments worked together to investigate the theft of the watches, which occurred between April 2022 and January 2023 in both locations.

According to police, Jaiver Ricardo Velez Gomes, 43, of Massapequa, was hired to install wallpaper at three homes in Garden City and one in Old Westbury. While in the homes, police said he took designer watches worth tens of thousands of dollars. From April to December 2022, he stole watches worth a total of $60,000 from three Garden City homes, and in January, he stole a $20,000 watch from an Old Westbury home, police said.

Gomes was arrested Jan. 13 after a joint investigation by the Garden City and Old Westbury police departments.

Gomes was charged with four counts of third-degree grand larceny. He appeared in First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday and was released on his own recognizance.

Police ask anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Gomes to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS, or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.