Fairfax County police seek woman accused of stealing jewelry off victims in sleight‑of‑hand scams

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Police are searching for a woman that say is linked to a series of sleight-of-hand scam thefts in which victims say jewelry was removed and replaced with cheap costume pieces during encounters across Fairfax County.

Police say the thefts occurred within hours of one another on March 20. 

What we know:

In the first case detectives say a woman in a white SUV approached a shopper returning a cart on Hechinger Drive in Springfield and placed a ring on the victim’s finger while talking about jewelry. They say she then hugged the victim, placed a necklace around her neck and allegedly swapped out the victim’s actual necklace before pulling away.

A similar scenario was reported around the same time on Metrotech Drive in Chantilly, where occupants of a black SUV asked a victim for directions while a female passenger placed a fake gold necklace on her and allegedly stole her real one.

Around 3:30 p.m., police say a woman approached a victim on Wood Crescent Circle near Herndon claiming it was her birthday, asked for a hug and offered her a ring. The woman hugged the victim and allegedly removed her necklace before she fled in a white SUV.

Fairfax County police seek woman accused of stealing jewelry off victims in sleight‑of‑hand scams (Fairfax County Police Department)

Another theft was reported around 3:55 p.m. on Commerce Street in Franconia. Police say a woman in a black SUV, described as being around 50 years old with red hair and gold teeth, placed a necklace on a victim while another passenger, described as a 25-year-old female with a headscarf, distracted her. The victim later discovered her necklace, and bracelets had been replaced with costume jewelry.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and license‑plate reader data to identify one of the vehicles as a white 2026 Toyota Highlander registered out of state. Delaware State Police located the SUV the next day and detained one of the occupants, 21‑year‑old Cristina Milhaela Paun of Baltimore.

Investigators say Paun has been identified and connected to the Springfield and Herndon thefts. Warrants for Paun  for felony pickpocketing and robbery have been issued. She remains wanted at this time and detectives are seeking information of her whereabouts.

Detectives continue to investigate the thefts and other similar incidents in the area.

Anyone with information about Paun or similar thefts is asked to contact the Reston Police Station at 703‑478‑0904. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers at 1‑866‑411‑TIPS or online.

Safety Tips from FCPD:

Keep your distance

If someone approaches you trying to sell jewelry, especially in a parking lot or on the street, maintain space and avoid close physical contact.

Do not accept or try on items

Pickpockets often use this tactic to distract you and may remove your real jewelry while placing fake items on you.

Stay alert to distractions

Be cautious if the person is overly friendly, persistent, or trying to rush the interaction. These are common tactics used to lower your guard.

Secure your valuables

Keep jewelry, wallets, and phones out of reach and avoid displaying expensive items in public.

Trust your instincts and report it

If something feels off, leave the area immediately and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, providing descriptions if possible.