Miami-Dade Woman Arrested for Stealing and Pawning $36K in Jewelry from Former Employer

Authorities in Miami-Dade County arrested a South Miami Heights resident Wednesday on charges stemming from an alleged theft ring involving luxury watches and jewelry that spanned nearly seven years. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Yuliedy Diaz, reportedly stole items from a Palmetto Bay homeowner who employed her as a full-time cleaning worker for 12 years, according to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office records.

The victim first reported missing valuables to deputies on July 22, 2022, triggering an investigation that uncovered a systematic scheme of theft. Among the missing items were designer pieces including Cartier and Rolex watches, gold bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings valued collectively at approximately $36,437, authorities stated.

Investigators utilized LeadsOnline, a national pawnshop database, to trace Diaz’s transactions between July 2018 and June 9, 2025. The search revealed that Diaz had pawned 73 items during that period, with the victim ultimately identifying 32 of those pieces as her own property. Records showed Diaz provided her driver’s license, home address and employment information to pawnshops with each transaction.

After the victim identified Diaz from photographs on August 10, deputies apprehended her and conducted a recorded interview at the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit. Diaz waived her Miranda rights and confessed to stealing and pawning all 73 items, investigators reported. A search of her bedroom recovered five additional watches and a necklace that she acknowledged belonged to the victim.

Diaz faces 10 counts of dealing in stolen property, one count of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000, and one pawnbroker false verification charge involving 300 or more items. She remained held Thursday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $20,000 bond.