Are These Your Jewels?
The Fairfax County Police Department issued this news release on July 19:
Mason Police District Police are trying to re-connect dozens of family heirlooms to their rightful owners, including a gold ring inscribed with the date July 19, 1866, before all the items are sent off to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasury in Richmond.
"There is no doubt that many of these items may be invaluable for sentimental reasons, in addition to the monetary value," said 2nd Lieutenant Jeff Gossett, supervisor of the Property and Evidence Section. In addition to the Civil War-era gold ring, there are 31 pairs of earrings, 18 broaches, 7 watches, 18 necklaces, 11 bracelets, 16 rings and numerous pendants and single earrings.
These items came into police possession as a result of a criminal investigation. Detectives worked hard to trace the items back to their victims, many of whom were elderly and ill in the early 2000s, and are now deceased. A woman who worked as a nursing assistant in Fairfax County traveled to her victim's homes where she worked as a private care provider. Following up on numerous reports, detectives arrested Myrtle Martey, 47, of Arlington and charged her with grand larceny on July 10, 2003. Police seized over 100 pieces of jewelry at that time and worked hard, over the years, to trace the items back to owners, holding open houses and working through victims' families and friends. Many of the victims were elderly, and some were ill in the early 2000s, and are now deceased.
If you have information or believe this some of this property may be yours, contact the detectives at the Mason Police District Station at 703-256-8035.
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