Fairfax County police are asking for help tracking down a 21-year-old Baltimore woman they say pulled off a slick jewelry scam on shoppers all over the county on March 20. Investigators allege the suspect, identified as Cristina Milhaela Paun, approached people in parking lots, distracted them, and quietly swapped out their real necklaces and bracelets for cheap costume pieces. Detectives say surveillance footage and license-plate-reader hits led them to a suspect vehicle that was later stopped in Delaware.
Paun is accused in several incidents that same day, including reported thefts in Springfield, Chantilly, Herndon and Franconia, according to WJLA. In one case, a woman returning a shopping cart was reportedly hugged and handed a fake ring while her necklace was quietly removed. Detectives are still combing through surveillance video and believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
How the ruse worked
Police describe the scheme as a classic distraction theft. One person gets in close, holding the victim’s hands, asking for directions, or going in for a quick hug. While the victim is distracted, jewelry is slipped off and replaced with a counterfeit piece that looks convincing at first glance.
The Fairfax County Police Department is reminding residents not to let strangers touch them or place items like jewelry or charms on them, advice the department shares on its personal-safety page. Officers also suggest keeping some distance in odd encounters, recording video when it is safe to do so, and reporting suspicious behavior right away to lower the chances of becoming a target.
Investigation and where she was stopped
As reported by WJLA, detectives used license-plate-reader data and surveillance footage to zero in on a Toyota Highlander. That SUV was stopped by Delaware State Police in New Castle on March 21, where Paun was identified as one of the occupants. Fairfax County police obtained warrants charging her with felony pickpocketing and robbery, and she remains wanted. Investigators say they are following up on leads and are urging anyone with information to speak up.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about Paun’s whereabouts or similar incidents is asked to contact the Reston Police Station at 703-478-0904, according to the Reston District. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Fairfax Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-8477 or online, and tipsters may be eligible for a reward. Police say surveillance or dash-cam video from the area of any incident can be especially useful to the investigation.
Legal status
The warrants allege felony pickpocketing and robbery, charges that carry serious penalties under Virginia law if they result in a conviction. The investigation remains active, and police emphasize that Paun, like anyone charged with a crime, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
