What started as routine household moves in Chesterfield ended with a jewelry trail and a mover in handcuffs, after police say nearly $90,000 worth of pieces disappeared from two homes over several months.
Investigators allege that while crews packed and hauled boxes, high-end jewelry quietly went missing. Police say at least one item was later recovered during a search of the suspect's home, and others surfaced at a local pawn shop.
Police and charging documents identify the suspect as Lavaris Rogers, an employee of a local moving company. He is charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of stealing and is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to KSDK. Charging documents state the first alleged theft happened in March at one Chesterfield home, where about 15 pieces of jewelry were reported missing. The second was reported on May 6 at another residence, where two pieces were valued at $57,900. Rogers allegedly told investigators he was “present” for each move, according to the documents.
Chesterfield Crime Logs Flag Jewelry Thefts
Chesterfield Police Department crime summaries show multiple larceny and burglary reports involving jewelry taken from homes, which officials say helped narrow the focus of the investigation. The city’s public crime log includes entries noting “jewelry removed from residence,” per the Chesterfield Police Department. Investigators say those reports, combined with transactional records, ultimately led them to the missing items.
Cops Trace Sparkle To Pawn Shop, Then Home Search
Detectives say several pieces were traced to a local pawn shop, where the first victim identified four of the missing items, according to KSDK. Officers then executed a search warrant at Rogers’ home and reported finding one of the victim’s pieces inside. Police have not publicly identified the pawn shop while the investigation continues.
Legal Stakes And Ongoing Investigation
Rogers faces felony counts that carry significant penalties under Missouri law. Burglary can be charged in degrees and is a felony under RSMo 569.160, and stealing offenses are defined and graded by value under RSMo 570.030. How prosecutors ultimately pursue the case will determine the possible prison time and any eligibility for probation or parole. Federal and county officials have prosecuted similar schemes in the region; the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported in 2025 that three people admitted to stealing jewelry and valuables from St. Louis County homes, underscoring coordinated investigations across jurisdictions.
Rogers remains held on bond and the case is still under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Chesterfield Police Department. Officials also urge homeowners planning a move to photograph valuables, keep high-value items in locked storage or remove them from the home during moving day, and verify a mover’s insurance coverage and references before signing a contract.
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