
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says it is holding an emerald estimated to be worth as much as $370 million while the stone's owner is determined.
A department spokesman said the 850-pound gem will be in safekeeping until a federal judge determines who rightfully owns it.
The "Bahia Emerald" was reported stolen in September from a secured vault in South El Monte, Calif.
CNN reported the emerald has been at the center of a dispute between a California man who claimed ownership, a company with which he contracted to sell it and a potential buyer.
It is alleged the gemstone's owner tried to go around the broker, who received a $19 million offer, and sell the emerald to the same buyer for $75 million.
The Brazilian stone was located in a Las Vegas warehouse, where the person in possession claimed to be the rightful owner, Los Angeles Sheriff's Lt. Thomas Grubb said.
A federal judge ordered the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to hold the emerald until he can sort out the legal issues, Grubb said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional Top News Stories | |
UMEA, Sweden, Feb. 14 (UPI) --
A 29-year-old Swedish man faces multiple charges for pretending he was kidnapped to extort money from his parents, police said.
|
NEW YORK, Feb. 14 (UPI) --
The 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, with Kate Upton gracing the cover, appeared on U.S. newsstands, as well as SI.com/Swimsuit Tuesday.
|
BAGHDAD, Feb. 14 (UPI) --
U.S. supermajor Exxon Mobil won't be able to take part in an oil and natural gas licensing auction scheduled for May in Iraq, a spokesman said.
|
BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 14 (UPI) --
An Australian man who bared his buttocks to Queen Elizabeth during the monarch's visit to the country was fined $800.
|
| Stories | Photos | People | Comments |
View Caption