Suspects in condo jewelry thefts apprehended by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies

MANATEE COUNTY — A man and woman suspected of multiple jewelry thefts after conning their way into condominium homes as pest control workers were taken into custody on Thursday, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies apprehended Sean Frank, 30, and Laura Frank, 39, both of Pompano Beach, at about 2 p.m. at the Bayshore on the Lakes condominium complex, 3600 Lake Bayshore Drive. A resident allowed the cousins to enter but alerted authorities after noticing several rings valued at over $3,000 were missing, the Sheriff's Office said.

Both suspects face felony charges, including home invasion by false personation and grand theft from a person 65 or older. Sean Frank is also on probation for several felony charges in Escambia County, the Sheriff's Office said.

On Wednesday, several residents at the Fourth Bayshore Condominium, 2300 Canal Drive, were victimized by suspects fitting the same description. The Sheriff's Office said the suspects were wearing bright yellow uniforms with black trim. The female suspect's uniform said "trainee."

Jewelry reported stolen included a diamond heirloom necklace, a gold and diamond necklace, and gold wedding rings. The victims included two 95-year-old women.

"We are reminding residents to never allow an unknown vendor into your home if you don’t have an appointment with them," Sheriff's Office public information office Randy Warren said. "When in doubt, call law enforcement."

The investigation remains open. Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011 (ext. 2260) or Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS) or manateecrimestoppers.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Pompano Beach suspects charged in Manatee County condo jewelry thefts