Juan Antonio Manresa Leyva, who attempted an elaborate jewelry store burglary, was convicted of Grand Theft Over $100,000, First Degree Burglary Causing Damage Over $1,000, and Possession of Burglary Tools. The jury returned the guilty verdict following a two-day trial in Lee County.
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Abraham Thornburg and Circuit Court Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Russell prosecuted the case.
The defendant was arrested during a robbery in progress at a jewelry store in Lehigh Acres on February 11, 2024.
The crime started in the overnight hours as the defendant and two other men gained entry into the building, by cutting through the roof. They cut through many layers of the wall and even cut through the HVAC system and duct work. They then gained entry into the room that contained a giant safe.
Once inside, they dismantled the cameras and cut the alarm system. But there was a back-up camera system still in place that captured the crime on video. They then attempted to get into the safe by using a metal cutting torch and eventually got in through the side of the safe which gave them access to a small portion of the jewelry inside.
The store owners then saw there was activity on the security cameras and called 911.
As Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, they saw two men on the roof of the business. One suspect, Carlos Acosta, jumped off the roof into the arms of a deputy. The second suspect, Yaubry Suarez, ran into a wooded area and near a canal. The defendant in this case, Juan Antonio Manresa Leyva, was inside the business. He too climbed onto the roof, jumped off, and hid, as the other suspect was being chased.
Deputies utilized an infrared camera on a helicopter to find the suspects.
Suarez previously pled in this case and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Acosta currently has a bench warrant out for his arrest.
Suarez and Leyva have previous convictions for jewelry store burglaries on the East coast of the United States.
Leyva’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director