Bend, interstate jewel thieves due for sentencing

Back in May of 2011, Saxon’s Fine Jewelers in Bend was the target of an interstate jewelry heist. Prosecutors said at least eight thieves were involved in the crime ring. This fall, two of those criminals, including the accused ringleader, will be sentenced for their roles in the crimes.

“When it happens to you, it hits pretty close to home,” Ron Henderson, co-owner of Saxon’s, said Tuesday.

May 20th, 2011 was a busy day in the Old Mill. The U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle was underway and many people were wandering the shops, including Saxon’s.

A man later identified as Jack Cannon made several appointments with the jewelry store to look at fine diamonds.

When he came in that day, police say he viewed several rings in a private viewing suite. During that appointment, police say he waited for the opportune moment and snatched the diamonds.

A getaway van was waiting outside with sliding door open. Police and Henderson say he jumped in the van, and he and his driver switched cars about a mile away from the crime scene.

“This was a well planned-out event for them,” said Bend police Lt. Brian Kindel.

Officers soon realized this burglary was not spur of the moment. It was part of a much bigger string of crimes — 23 holdups that netted more than $3.8 million in diamonds and jewelry.

From Lake Oswego to Portland,to Grants Pass, this was one of many robberies they pulled off in Oregon.

“You could say it was fairly professional on their end,” Kindel said.

At least eight thieves are suspected of taking part in the interstate conspiracy.

“Yes, I’d say they were well trained,” Henderson said.

Several agencies became involved in the case. from Bend police all the way up to the FBI. That’s part of the reason why it’s taken so long for these criminals to be sentenced. When this many agencies get involved, it takes time to gather a case and get all the details.

“There’s a lot to it,” Kindel said.

The so-called ringleader of the conspiracy, Michael Young, 42, as well as Jack Cannon, the man accused of robbing Saxons, have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in Portland federal court later this month and early next month, polishing off a three-year investigation.

The maximum penalty for counts of interstate transportation of stolen property is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Each man faces years in prison and has agreed to pay millions in restitution.