La. A.G. Investigators Nab Jewelry Repair Thief

A Baton Rouge, Louisiana man has been taken into custody for selling Rolex watches he was hired to repair. The victims include citizens and jewelry stores all over the state.

According to agents with Attorney General Charles Foti’s office, Johnny Durbin, 40, was a recognized Rolex repairman who had contracts with several jewelry stores to repair the watches.

At the time of his arrest he reportedly had at least nine watches in his possession worth more than $80,000. Investigators were able to return those watches to the owners but Durbin had allegedly already sold three watches worth about $20,000.

Attorney General agents were unable to get Durbin to return the watches or repay the money he made from the sale of the watches. They arrested Durbin on theft charges and he was placed into custody.

Durbin was reportedly known throughout the state and handled repairs for businesses in Lafayette, Orleans, St. Tammany parishes. Durbin is wanted by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the St. James Sheriff’s Office as well.