Stolen glasses mysteriously returned to owner

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – What was once lost is now found, but a mystery is still surrounding an eyeglass theft from a Nassau County store Monday evening.

More than a week ago investigators said that two women stole a $450 pair of Gucci eyeglasses from Eye Envy Optical and Sunglasses off State Road 200 in Fernandina Beach. But over the weekend, a surprise delivery to the store has both the owner and sheriff's deputies scratching their heads.

A pair of Gucci glasses showed up in a crumpled hand-written note Saturday at Michael Sharpe's store. But the owner wants the thieves to know that while he may have his merchandise back, it doesn't mean the police won't come knocking on your door.

"They're going to get you. They know who you are and they are going to pick you up," he said. "My store manager called me and told me that she had received this and sent me a picture of the glasses on top of it. And it came without a return address, and I knew immediately that this came from the thief."

The note read:

"I found these in my car, giving a young lady a ride to the bus station. I believe these belong to you. I saw your story on the news and hope these get back to the rightful owner. Have a blessed holiday."

Surveillance video captured a woman wearing a black dress removing a hat from a display and using it to conceal her stealing the eyeglasses. The other woman, dressed in a multi-colored shirt, distracted and blocked the viewpoint of the store clerk.

"She goes around picking on small businesses, and I know she takes these things and sells them to other people at a fraction of what they cost me. So I just can't afford to allow criminal activity like this to happen," said Sharpe.

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper confirmed that deputies have identified the designer-driven thieves. Their names have not been released but Leeper said they both have a criminal history. It's information that brings relief and an eye on justice.

Michael Sharpe increased the signage around his store because of this theft. He said he wants to make sure customers know they're being watched from the minute they walk in the door.

If you have any information that can help investigators, you're asked to call the Nassau County Sheriff's Office.

Sharpe said that he's also offering $200 worth of merchandise at his store to anyone who has information leading to an arrest.


About the Authors:

Emmy-nominated journalist Kristin Cason joined the News 6 team in June 2016.