NJ couple stole, pawned $2K in jewelry from military donation bin, police say

LOWER TOWNSHIP — Police are searching for the owners of more than $2,000 worth of jewelry that a New Jersey couple allegedly stole from a donation bin set up to help military veterans.

New Jersey State Police say James Osborn, 29, and Jessica Osborn, 27, both of Tuckahoe, allegedly stole numerous donated items, including jewelry, from a military veteran's donation bin in Lower Township. Police believe the theft took place on Aug. 9.

According to a statement from police, several pieces of jewelry were recovered by officers during an investigation. Authorities believe there were pieces of jewelry among the stolen items valued at more than $2,000.

Investigators also learned that following the theft, James Osborn allegedly sold the stolen jewelry to a local pawn shop, and received a payment of $1,250, NJ State Police said.

The Osborns were charged with theft in connection with the alleged offenses, police said.

"Detectives suspect it is possible the jewelry was not placed in a bag and donated, which is what James Osborn maintains," authorities added. "We all know that jewelry is sentimental, and these particular pieces seem to fit that description."

Police say that one piece of recovered jewelry was engraved with the words "Marie and Tom 6-3-57," while another is engraved with the date of "4-17-69."

Police are searching for the owners of the stolen jewelry and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Mario Nocito at 609-861-5698.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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