Home / Crime and Justice / Firefighter, Wife Accused of Staging Jewelry Heist
Firefighter, Wife Accused of Staging Jewelry Heist
12 Jul
Summary
- Couple allegedly staged a robbery for a $73,700 jewelry insurance claim.
- Investigators found inconsistencies in their statements and surveillance evidence.
- Insurance coverage on the jewelry was increased weeks before the supposed theft.
Reginald Blakey, a former New Haven firefighter, and his wife, Eunice, were arrested on May 21, 2026, for allegedly staging a jewelry heist. The couple, from Washingtonville, New York, face charges including insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny. The incident began on December 16, 2025, when Eunice Blakey reported being robbed at gunpoint of jewelry valued at approximately $73,700.
West Haven police launched an investigation after reviewing surveillance footage, which reportedly showed a Nissan Maxima, later traced to Reginald Blakey, following Eunice Blakey's vehicle for an hour before the alleged robbery. Investigators also cited discrepancies in the couple's statements, including Eunice Blakey's claim of not having cash when surveillance showed her using it, and Reginald Blakey's shifting alibi.
Further investigation revealed that the Blakeys had increased their insurance coverage on the jewelry just weeks before the December 2025 incident. Police also uncovered previous insurance claims filed by Reginald Blakey involving stolen jewelry. The couple was released on $15,000 surety bonds and have not yet entered pleas in the pending state Superior Court case.
