Apparently when the evidence is a ring and it is easily detectible by an X-ray machine, swallowing it isn’t a surefire way of concealing it. 

On Saturday, Manteca Police officers apprehended two men that they believed were responsible for snatching a diamond ring valued in excess of $100,000 from a local jewelry store that was being used as an appraiser and evaluator for a private sale. 

Thanks to an eyewitness that watched the two men leave the store, officers were able to broadcast the vehicle information to other law enforcement entities in the area and the two men – identified as 20-year-old Johnny Jordan Cruz Thymiakos of Benicia, and 21-year-old Shevvy Franklin of Benicia – were identified and apprehended by the California Highway Patrol.  

When officers searched the vehicle, however, the ring was not to be found – leaving officers to believe that one of the two suspects may have been concealing the ring internally. A search warrant was issued for a search of the suspects’ body, and they were transported to an area hospital where an X-ray was administered which revealed the ring was inside of the two suspects. Medical personnel were able to recover the ring. 

The two men were both charged with felony counts of burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft from a person, and both were transported to the San Joaquin County Jail where they were booked and held on $300,000 bail. Both men have since been released from custody. 

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.