Thief River Falls Pair Charged in Jewelry Theft

THIEF RIVER FALLS (trfnews.i234.me) — Two local men face felony charges involving jewelry stolen while a couple was on vacation.

Francisco Valverde, 18, has been charged with felony theft involving property valued at more than $5,000.

Tucker John Coombs, 18, has been charged with felony possession of stolen property.

The complaints were filed on June 22 and June 24. The alleged theft was reported around 9:42 a.m. on May 5.

The complaint did not clearly state where the theft happened.

Jewelry Reported Missing After Vacation

A couple told police they discovered several valuable items missing after returning home.

The missing property included a wedding ring, wedding band, and diamond earrings.

Valverde was friends with the couple’s roommate, according to the complaint.

He allegedly stayed at the residence for two nights while the couple was away.

The roommate later contacted Valverde and mentioned the missing wedding ring and earrings.

The roommate did not mention the missing wedding band during that conversation.

Valverde allegedly responded by saying he had seen the wedding band in the kitchen.

The roommate also recalled that Valverde had recently visited Grand Forks.

Valverde reportedly had money after that trip. The roommate said Coombs had given him money.

An investigator found records showing Coombs allegedly pawned jewelry in Grand Forks on April 30.

The items included an engagement ring and earrings. They were pawned for a total of $120.

Investigators later confirmed the jewelry belonged to the couple, according to the complaint.

Surveillance video allegedly showed Coombs completing the transaction.

The video also appeared to show another person inside his vehicle.

Coombs first allegedly said he found rings and earrings while cleaning his vehicle.

He claimed one earring was inside a seat crack. Another was allegedly found under a seat.

Coombs said he pawned the items because he needed money.

He initially denied knowing the jewelry was stolen.

Coombs later allegedly said Valverde provided the rings and requested the trip to Grand Forks.

He said the pawn money was used to purchase gas and food.

Coombs eventually acknowledged knowing the items were stolen, according to the complaint.

General court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Information about Grand Forks is available through the City of Grand Forks.

The charges remain allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.