NEW YORK — A pawn shop owner from Manhattan has admitted to his role in a scheme to sell luxury items stolen from wealthy homes across the nation. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, who operates a pawn shop in the Diamond District, pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiracy to receive stolen property, which includes luxury watches and jewelry.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the high-value items involved but also due to a notable burglary that occurred at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow while he was away last December. Nezhinskiy claimed he did not know the items he purchased were stolen until after he was arrested. “I am very sorry for my actions,” the 44-year-old said in Brooklyn federal court. “Most of my business was completely legitimate, and it was a good business.”
With a maximum possible sentence of five years in federal prison on the table, Nezhinskiy also faces restitution costs of around $2.5 million and additional forfeitures. He will receive his sentencing at a later date. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has described Nezhinskiy’s operation as a “black-market pipeline,” which allowed professional burglars to exploit innocent victims.
Another man, Juan Villar, who co-ran the pawn shop with Nezhinskiy, also pleaded guilty to similar charges last month and is due for sentencing in December. The investigation, lasting several years, revealed that Nezhinskiy and Villar were involved in purchasing stolen items from international burglary crews that specifically targeted the homes of famous athletes while they were away playing games.
Notably, the investigation indicated that the homes of other sports stars, including Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Luka Doncic of the NBA, were also among the targets. Law enforcement arrested multiple suspects, although Nezhinskiy and Villar have not been charged directly with specific burglaries.
Evidence gathered during the FBI raid showcased a large amount of stolen goods in their possession, including luxury handbags and sports memorabilia. The burglary at Burrow’s residence took place on December 9, 2024. A friend found the ransacked home and alerted authorities. Burrow later expressed feeling that his privacy was violated, sharing that “way more is out there than I would want out there.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to address the broader issue of this organized theft targeting celebrities. Nezhinskiy’s legal troubles could lead to further consequences, including deportation, as he is a legal resident originally from Georgia.
