Tonight a man who was charged with handling stolen goods is home free after he was forgiven by the robbery victim - who also turned out to be his relative. 24 year old Jermaine Bernardez was accused of assisting in stealing a gold and diamond encrusted Cuban link bracelet valued at $5,000.
This was only one piece of jewelry that was stolen from businessman 35 year old Kadeem Myers on Thursday, December 18th. The incident occurred at 4:00 while he was standing on Pickstock Street. Two men exited a white Ford Explorer, pulled out a firearm, and demanded that he hand over all his belongings. That's when he handed over his iPhone, several pieces of jewelry, and the keys to his vehicle, along with cash in different denominations. The total value of everything stolen from $18,500.
In court, Bernardez pleaded not guilty to the charge. Myers took the stand and told the court and he wanted to withdraw the charge. He explained that he is doing it out of the kindness of his heart and he just wanted his items returned to him. Additionally, he discovered Bernardez is his family member.
