Rusty Tobey Strickland, 57 of Rome, was arrested this week after reports said he stole nearly $30,000 in jewelry from Diamond World in Mount Berry Mall,
Reports said that Strickland took a pair of diamond earrings (valued at $1,850) from the top of a glass case and concealed them inside his sweatshirt pocket.
Strickland then reportedly removed 5 diamond rings from a display case and walked out of the store without paying. The rings were valued at $28,000.
Reports added that as Strickland began running toward the mall’s exit he dropped the rings and the store owner recovered them.
The incident occurred back on February 6, 2026.
Strickland is charged with felony theft by shoplifting.
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