By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Friday announced that Aaron Smalls has been arraigned on charges of grand larceny and other crimes for stealing expensive pieces of jewelry from stores throughout the borough—including a shop on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.
Smalls, 39, allegedly hit six shops between December 2023 and February 2024, stealing merchandise valued at more than $50,000. DNA evidence tied Smalls to another theft of gold chains worth $120,000 in 2021.
Smalls, of Staten Island, was arraigned on Thursday night on charges of grand larceny in the second and fourth degrees and four counts of grand larceny in the third degree. He was also arraigned on a separate complaint charging him with robbery in the third degree, attempted assault in the second degree and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly punching a man and stealing his bank card on Aug. 3, 2021, in Corona.
According to the charges, Smalls’ practice was to ask a jewelry store clerk to see an expensive piece held in a security case. Immediately upon being handed the merchandise, he would run out of the store, stolen property in hand. Smalls is accused of using this tactic to steal:
- Two gold chains worth approximately $4,369, from HR Gold and Diamond Inc. on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights on Dec. 14, 2023, at approximately 3:50 p.m.
- One gold chain worth approximately $2,400, from Queens Pawn & Jewelry on Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst on Dec. 21, 2023, at approximately 3:13 p.m.
- A gold chain with a large pendant bearing the image of Jesus, worth approximately $20,000, from Gold Tower USA Inc. on Junction Boulevard in Corona on Dec. 28, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m.
- A gold chain and a bracelet, together worth approximately $17,000, from Zales on Steinway Street in Astoria on Jan. 1, at approximately 3:30 p.m.
- Two gold chains worth approximately $9,000 from Prime Jewelers on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven on Feb. 6, at approximately 1:38 p.m.
- Twenty-five gold chains worth approximately $120,000 from Simon and Son Jewelers on 63rd Drive in Rego Park on Sept. 26, 2021. Smalls was linked to this theft following DNA that was recovered from a sweat-stained hat he left behind upon fleeing the store.
Smalls was apprehended on May 8 at the Woodside Motel on Queens Boulevard by members of the borough Warrant Squad led by Det. William Dugan, under the supervision of Sgt. Kyle Hurst and under the overall supervision of Capt. Erick Erdaide.
“The defendant is accused of preying upon local jewelry stores by committing brazen thefts that go back to 2021,” Katz said. “My office is committed to addressing the issue of serial shoplifters who disproportionately contribute to retail thefts across the borough. Ensuring the safety of our store owners, their employees, and customers is essential to a vibrant economy. We can never lose sight of the fact that communities thrive when local businesses thrive.”
If convicted, Smalls faces up to 15 years in prison.
