Arrest of Cuban nationals in Miami Beach in connection with multi-million dollar jewelry heist in Tennessee

A Cuban couple suspected of a daring armed robbery that resulted in the theft of nearly $2 million in jewelry and gold from a store in Nashville, Tennessee, was arrested at a Miami Beach hotel over the weekend. Police have identified the suspects as Milleni Garcia38, and Orlando Valdes Hernández34, both living on Quail Roost Drive in the unincorporated area of ​​South Miami Heights, Miami-Dade County.

Details of the Nashville Robbery

According to police, on October 23, García and Valdés Hernández entered Dubai Jewelry, located in a shopping center in southeast Nashville. Initially posing as customers, they suddenly brandished firearms and threatened staff before seizing a significant amount of gold and other valuables. The duo, aided by an unknown accomplice, managed to steal goods worth $1.7 million.

Local media reported that the thieves used pepper spray during the brazen heist and forced the employees into a back room before escaping.

Quick arrest in Miami Beach

On October 27, just four days after the robbery, officers arrested the Cuban couple at the Great beach hotela four-star hotel located at 4835 Collins Avenue in Mid-Beach. The operation led to the recovery of jewelry, cash and a blonde wig, WKRN reported.

This successful arrest was the result of an “extensive investigation and collaborative effort” between the Miami Beach Police Department and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, authorities confirmed.

Legal proceedings and ongoing investigation

As of Monday morning, García and Valdés Hernández are being held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), pending extradition to Tennessee. Valdés Hernández is charged with aggravated kidnapping with a weapon and grand larceny, while Judge Mindy S. Glazer has denied him bail. García is charged with robbery, robbery with violence and facilitating aggravated kidnapping with a weapon.

“We successfully removed two very dangerous individuals from our streets; our undercover officers spotted them and made the arrest,” said Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Christopher Bess.

Metropolitan Nashville police are actively searching for the third suspect, who remains at large. Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.