Two East Bay Men Convicted in $1.1M Heller Jewelers Robbery

Prosecutors say the sophisticated heist involved dozens of suspects with specific roles, but the case is far from over.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A jury has convicted two men, Ira Austin and Jimmy Ray, of 14 felonies related to their roles in a $1.1 million robbery of Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, California in 2025. Prosecutors say the heist involved around 30 people who used a carefully planned operation with getaway vehicles, predetermined meeting locations, and specific roles for each participant. While Austin and Ray have been found guilty, authorities have secured indictments against 15 other suspects, and a juvenile and Ray's brother have also been charged separately.

Why it matters

The Heller Jewelers robbery highlights the growing sophistication of organized retail crime, with criminal groups using advanced tactics to pull off large-scale heists. This case raises concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to such coordinated attacks on local businesses.

The details

On September 22, 2025, around 30 suspects burst into Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, swinging hammers and firing shots. They made off with an estimated $1.1 million in stolen goods. The robbers used two sets of getaway cars without license plates and pre-determined meeting locations to evade police. Prosecutors say the operation was carefully planned, with some suspects serving as 'bagmen' while others wielded weapons or acted as drivers.

  • The robbery occurred on September 22, 2025, a little before 2 p.m.
  • Ira Austin, 19, and Jimmy Ray, 27, were convicted by a jury on February 11, 2026.
  • Michael Ray, Jimmy Ray's brother, pleaded no contest and received a 3-year prison term.
  • A juvenile was also charged separately for their alleged role in the robbery.

The players

Ira Austin

A 19-year-old man convicted of conspiracy and 13 counts of robbery for his role in the Heller Jewelers heist.

Jimmy Ray

A 27-year-old man convicted of conspiracy and 13 counts of robbery for his role in the Heller Jewelers heist.

Michael Ray

Jimmy Ray's brother, who pleaded no contest to being the getaway driver in exchange for a 3-year prison term.

Jacques Samuel, Jahkeal Mchlothin, and Dandre Demisse

Three men identified as suspects who were seen running from a vehicle that crashed on Interstate 580 in Dublin following the robbery.

Adam Wilks

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case and argued the robbers used a sophisticated, carefully planned operation to pull off the heist.

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What they’re saying

“The plan was to go in armed…and in a massive show of force. Anybody can go in and do a smash and grab. But if you want 30 people to do it successfully, it has to look like this.”

— Adam Wilks, Deputy District Attorney (mercurynews.com)

What’s next

Prosecutors say the case is far from over, as they have secured indictments against 15 other suspects believed to have been involved in the robbery.

The takeaway

The Heller Jewelers heist highlights the growing sophistication of organized retail crime, with criminal groups using advanced tactics to pull off large-scale robberies. This case raises concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to such coordinated attacks on local businesses.