A Hialeah man has been arrested and charged in connection with a jewelry store robbery in Cape Coral, Florida. According to the United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, faces charges of conspiracy and interference with commerce by robbery, as well as use and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The criminal complaint states that on January 6, 2026, two armed individuals entered Tio Jewelers through an adjacent vacant business while the store was closed. When the manager arrived that morning, the assailants restrained him and forced him to open a safe. The suspects took a significant amount of jewelry and two firearms before fleeing in a getaway vehicle driven by Sanchez Rivera.
Authorities from the Cape Coral Police Department identified Sanchez Rivera’s vehicle as being involved in the incident. Investigators determined that he had driven to the area near the jewelry store the night before and returned to Miami immediately after the robbery. A search at his residence led to the recovery of two firearms, including one taken from the store manager during the robbery.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe stated: "A criminal complaint is an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty."
If convicted, Sanchez Rivera could face up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy and an additional consecutive seven years for the firearm offense.
The case is being investigated by both the Cape Coral Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas will prosecute.
