Crazy Robbery.

blue594 · December 19, 2011 10:15PM

Received in an email from NCIC.

Armed Robbery of Houston Area Dealer

A Houston coin dealer had just finished setting up at the Money Show of The Southwest on December 1, 2011. The dealer left the show and took his family out to dinner. Upon returning home the dealer and his family were confronted by two masked gunmen who forced them inside their home. The dealer fought with one of the suspects and he was kicked, punched and pistol whipped to the head. During the scuffle one suspect bit the dealers arm. The victims were then tied up.

In an attempt to remove any DNA evidence the suspects sliced the skin around the bite mark and then poured alcohol on the wound. The suspects then placed the dealers 12 yr old daughter on the floor and put a pillow over her face. The suspects demanded to know where all the valuables were as they put a gun to the daughters head.

The suspects stayed in the dealers home for over two hours and and removed over $500,000 in coins and jewelry.

The following is a partial list of stolen coins:

Complete set of Gold Proof Eagles graded NGC PR70 1986-2011
20 NGC graded MS 70 Gold Eagles
Numerous MS70 PCGS & NGC gold Pandas
Numerous graded NGC Swiss & French 20 Franc
Complete set of PR 70 gold Buffalo coins 2006-2011, NGC early releases
Box of proof & reverse proof Isle of Man gold angels, NGC graded
Bag of 10-1oz Stillwater palladium rounds
Dozens of 2010-2011 America the Beautiful 5oz silver quarters both NGC graded and raw. 5 full 5 coin sets in rare SP70 grade. Many others MS69.
Numerous NGC & PCGS graded silver China panda coins, including two very rare MS70 coins dated 2000 frosted
3 Three Cent Nickels graded NGC PR67
One 2009 Ultra High Relief gold eagle NGC MS70
Numerous rare MS70 graded silver kilo coins, Austrailia
Several Mexican gold 5-coin proof sets in box dated 2008-2011
30 rolls gem unc Morgan & Peace dollars
Several boxes of rare MS70 silver Kookaburra Australia coins

Anyone with information on this offense should immediately contact:
Det. David Williams
Fort Bend County Sheriff
281-341-3839
or
Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

PREVENTION TIPS
Do not leave inventory/valuables at home
Do not advertise the amount of money you carry upon your person
Do not advertise your travel plans
Do not discuss business activities in public places
Do not be routine in your daily activities
Discuss safety precautions with family and employees

The physical and emotional trauma of this incident will be in the minds of the victims forever. Do not be apathetic.... it could happen to you!!!!!!!!!!

TwoKopeiki · December 19, 2011 10:34PM

Wow. That's pretty scary. What was he thinking fighting with one of the two armed gunmen with his family there?

derryb · December 19, 2011 10:39PM

monitored home alarm system with "hostage" code while disarming under threat would have silently brought the police.

Goldbully · December 19, 2011 11:03PM

Scumbag Cowards

GoldClause · December 19, 2011 11:27PM

I honestly don't understand why people who do this and are convicted, don't get the death penalty.

fishcooker · December 20, 2011 12:01AM

Too many bleeding hearts feel sorry for the criminals, that's why.

TwoKopeiki · December 20, 2011 12:13AM

<< "They hogtied us with scrap and they poured alcohol on me and told me they were going to set me on fire," the husband told the 911 operator. "I was tied to the kids." >>

There's a special place in hell for these degenerates.

crypto79 · December 20, 2011 12:30AM

<< I honestly don't understand why people who do this and are convicted, don't get the death penalty. >>

Why would they, its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right

Hawgstick · December 20, 2011 12:41AM

10-12 years is really 5-6 years, which enables them to victimize someone else. People that go to these extremes do not deserve to be in society.

coinkid855 · December 20, 2011 12:44AM

<< 

<< I honestly don't understand why people who do this and are convicted, don't get the death penalty. >>

Why would they, its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right >>

It will be worse considering they stuck A GUN IN A 12 YEAR OLD'S MOUTH. They'll get a LONG time, hopefully.

-Paul

DorkGirl · December 20, 2011 12:53AM

I'm so sad that the family, especially the kids, had to go through that. Nightmares for sure.

joefro · December 20, 2011 2:31AM

<< 

Why would they, its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right >>

I have always been under the impression that "strong arm robbery" means a robbery without the use of a gun or other deadly weapon. Like when a huge thug walks up to an old lady in a parking lot and says "Give me your purse, or else". When a gun is involved it's just plain old "armed robbery". I could be mistaken though, it's just what I've heard though and I'm no expert.

This is awful, I attended the Houston Money Show with some friends who are new to Numismatics and we all had a great time. If I had known about this robbery it definitely would have put a darker tone over the show for me. Just glad everyone is ok now.

kiyote · December 20, 2011 2:49AM

As soon as they put a gun to the daughter's head that should be considered attempted murder. Life in prison.

Mar327 · December 20, 2011 2:55AM

After what happened to the Petit family in Connecticut, reading that gave me chills. There were more involved in this than those in the house - I hope and pray they find all of them soon and they never see daylight again.

callawayc7 · December 20, 2011 3:45AM

"Investigators said the robbers were on the phone with someone who told them what to look for and where the valuables were kept inside the home and were aggressive with the family."

Sounds like it might be an inside job. Either somebody who works for him or a business associate who knows his routine and where the loot is at.

hchcoin · December 20, 2011 4:03AM

Having lived in Texas, if I was a dealer in Texas I would carry a concealed handgun for protection as they have a concealed carry law.

DCW · December 20, 2011 4:44AM

" its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right"

Did you READ the article? They used a GUN. On a little girl. It's more than strong armed robbery my friend. Try aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal restraint, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, etc. And its not "just because it happened to a coin dealer."
His whole family was taken hostage.

Speedie · December 20, 2011 4:45AM

<< 

<< I honestly don't understand why people who do this and are convicted, don't get the death penalty. >>

Why would they, its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right >>

If by "hard time" you mean a) a long jump from a short rope, b) a .45 to the head in the courtyard, or c) feet first through a woodchipper on PPV, then I agree. Those all sound like they would give the animals involved a hard time.

If, however, you mean 10-12 years of 3 squares a day and cable TV at the taxpayers' expense then not so much.

fiveNdime · December 20, 2011 5:03AM

<< c) feet first through a woodchipper on PPV, then I agree. >>

getting warmer.
it should be free though.

notwilight · December 20, 2011 5:05AM

<< "Investigators said the robbers were on the phone with someone who told them what to look for and where the valuables were kept inside the home and were aggressive with the family." Sounds like it might be an inside job. Either somebody who works for him or a business associate who knows his routine and where the loot is at. >>

Or someone with access to the database of the company who installed the safes.

ricko · December 20, 2011 5:39AM

Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO

ctf_error_coins · December 20, 2011 6:03AM

19Lyds · December 20, 2011 6:13AM

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

After re-reading about the scuffle, I have to agree. there was obviously a moment where he felt he could over-power these pigs.

I feel so sorry for the children which will carry this with them for the rest of their lives. I cannot even begin to imagine the nightmares that each will suffer through in the future and it will affect the very core of their securities.

I would have no problem knowing that the two criminals involved with this horrendous attack were sent off for their final judgement as society and civilization has no place for animals such as this that have such willful disregard for others. Had this been a wild animal, it would be hunted down and shot. I see absolutely no difference.

Barndog · December 20, 2011 6:15AM

<< Having lived in Texas, if I was a dealer in Texas I would carry a concealed handgun for protection as they have a concealed carry law. >>

if I was a dealer in ANY state, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by six

notwilight · December 20, 2011 6:35AM

<< 

<< Having lived in Texas, if I was a dealer in Texas I would carry a concealed handgun for protection as they have a concealed carry law. >>

if I was a dealer in ANY state, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by six >>

Even in CA a jeweler or coin dealer can get a concealed carry permit. I believe that even in CA a man with a pregnant wife and daughter would be allowed to meet masked robbers in the driveway with lead. --Jerry

notwilight · December 20, 2011 6:36AM

<< 

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

After re-reading about the scuffle, I have to agree. there was obviously a moment where he felt he could over-power these pigs.

I feel so sorry for the children which will carry this with them for the rest of their lives. I cannot even begin to imagine the nightmares that each will suffer through in the future and it will affect the very core of their securities.

I would have no problem knowing that the two criminals involved with this horrendous attack were sent off for their final judgement as society and civilization has no place for animals such as this that have such willful disregard for others. Had this been a wild animal, it would be hunted down and shot. I see absolutely no difference. >>

Children are tough if we let them move on. If they get enough counseling, they will eventually be convinced they are scarred for life. --Jerry

WTCG · December 20, 2011 6:51AM

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

From what I know about the case the dealer was armed with several loaded guns at the ready. His family was ambushed by a group of assailaints.

Remember that a criminal's best weapon is the element of surprise. Catch a victim off guard and they win every time. Even if he wore a loaded gun on his leg at all times even in the shower if he was caught by surprise no gun of any size would have helped. When children and other family members are present they become potential hostages the odds are stacked against the victim even more.

Playing William Tell seems fufilling and doable in a dream sequence but not so much in real life.

Spooly · December 20, 2011 7:12AM

<< Or someone with access to the database of the company who installed the safes. >>

I think the "gun to the kids head".......... got the safe open. Would any parent say no?

That many coins...... records.... they will come to the surface sooner or later.

COALPORTER · December 20, 2011 7:53AM

I have noticed that allot of the recent "big jobs" have been more high grade bullion dealers - you know, the MS70 stuff, and not
so much the dealers of "classic" coins. I mean, these guys are getting hit in the homes for crazy amounta that no sane person
would just keep at home without a BIG safe or safe room and a good amount of fire power. I think if i had that kind of loot at
home i would have a complete "safe room" not just a little gun fire safe AND teach all my family members in combat technics
are fire arm use . Don't these guys ever have a few Rotties or Mastifs in the yard either ?
It makes me wonder if some burried dealers are trying to get out of bad holdings and collect some insurance? . just some thougts..

crypto79 · December 20, 2011 9:25AM

<< " its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right"

Did you READ the article? They used a GUN. On a little girl. It's more than strong armed robbery my friend. Try aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal restraint, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, etc. And its not "just because it happened to a coin dealer."
His whole family was taken hostage. >>

While I am sure you are right that the charges will read something like that my point was simply that a violent robbery is just that a violent robbery and a mob calling for a reactionary sentence was uncalled for. If every person who help up someone with a weapon was sent to jail for life the jails would get over run quick. Armed robbery is armed robbery and 10-12 years of hard time is nothing to scoff at.

While my heart goes out to the victims everybody made it out and now the recovery process can begin with lessons learned and hopefully the preps will get caught trying to move the goods.

TwoKopeiki · December 20, 2011 9:57AM

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

Combat ready in under a second.

GoldClause · December 20, 2011 9:58AM

<< 

While I am sure you are right that the charges will read something like that my point was simply that a violent robbery is just that a violent robbery and a mob calling for a reactionary sentence was uncalled for. >>

It wasn't reactionary. There are zero excuses why anyone should commit crimes like this. These people are of zero value to society and I'd rather not have to pay for their upkeep for 5-10 years.

mrpotatoheadd · December 20, 2011 10:26AM

<< If every person who help up someone with a weapon was sent to jail for life the jails would get over run quick. >>

If people stopped getting imprisoned for doing stuff that never hurt anybody, there'd be plenty of space for these kinds of criminals.

gecko109 · December 20, 2011 10:42AM

<< 

<< I honestly don't understand why people who do this and are convicted, don't get the death penalty. >>

Why would they, its classic strong armed robbery. It isn't any worse because it is a coin dealer. 10 to 12 years of hard time seems about right >>

I dont care if its a coin dealer, hamburger flipper, or just some unlucky dude walking down the street. The answer is very, very simple......start killing these people as soon as they are convicted. This type of stuff would stop real fast.

dorkbar · December 20, 2011 11:56AM

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

While I'm a firm believer these zeroes and the insider who helped them deserved whatever they might have got during the act, IMHO a gunfight in the presence of the children might have been contraindicated.

Speedie · December 20, 2011 12:20PM

<< 

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

While I'm a firm believer these zeroes and the insider who helped them deserved whatever they might have got during the act, IMHO a gunfight in the presence of the children might have been contraindicated. >>

At what point on the path that led to the gun being held to a child's head would a gunfight be indicated? I have a 6 year old girl and I'll be damned if I'll throw myself at the mercy of someone holding a gun to her head and trust that he won't pull the trigger. One of us is leaving the house in a bag long before that point is reached.

hchcoin · December 20, 2011 12:20PM

<< 

<< Why he did not have a weapon is beyond me. Anyone in that situation should carry a firearm at all times (and be trained to use it)... this could have been prevented. Cheers, RickO >>

From what I know about the case the dealer was armed with several loaded guns at the ready. His family was ambushed by a group of assailaints.

Remember that a criminal's best weapon is the element of surprise. Catch a victim off guard and they win every time. Even if he wore a loaded gun on his leg at all times even in the shower if he was caught by surprise no gun of any size would have helped. When children and other family members are present they become potential hostages the odds are stacked against the victim even more.

Playing William Tell seems fufilling and doable in a dream sequence but not so much in real life. >>

I respectfully have to disagree. I am not trying to cause too much of a ruckus, but here is my position on this.

"Studies indicate that firearms are used over 2 million times a year for personal protection, and that the presence of a firearm, without a shot being fired, prevents crime in many instances. Shooting usually can be justified only where crime constitutes an immediate, imminent threat to life, limb, or, in some cases, property."

How do you explain all the examples in the link below? William Tell is a legend. In the real world, I would rather take my chances being armed if I was a dealer living with or transporting that amount of inventory .

The Armed Citizen Link

I grew up in a large city with plenty of crime. The local B&M dealer carried a gun on his side at all times, had a nasty looking german sheppard and had bars on the windows. Good luck robbing him. He was in a nasty neighborhood with lots of crime. If I remember correctly his shop was called Gene's coins. Never once heard of a robbery at his shop.

Crazy Robbery.

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