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Two Convicted in $1.7 Million Heller Jewelers Robbery Case February 16, 2026 (0 comments)
Martinez, CA--A Contra Costa jury convicted Ira Austin, 19, and Jimmy Ray, 27, on February 11 of 14 felonies related to a $1.7 million robbery at Heller Jewelers. Both men were found guilty of conspiracy and 13 counts of robbery following the Sept. 22, 2025, incident in San Ramon.
[Image via iStock.com/BrianAJackson]
According to a report by the Bay Area News Group, authorities have also secured indictments against 15 other suspects. Michael Ray, the brother of Jimmy Ray, previously pleaded no contest to being a getaway driver and received a three-year prison sentence. A juvenile is being prosecuted separately.
The report noted that approximately 30 individuals were involved in the robbery at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road. The group used hammers to smash display cases and fired shots to exit the store after the owner closed a security gate. Prosecutors stated the operation involved coordinated getaway teams and "clean" vehicles intended to evade detection.
“The plan was to go in armed … and in a massive show of force,” said Deputy District Attorney Adam Wilks, as reported by the outlet. Court records indicate some suspects were identified through cellphone records and surveillance after a police helicopter tracked one vehicle to International Boulevard.
More details are in this report by the Bay Area News Group.