Man, 84, charged with robbing jewelry store of diamonds worth $106K

By Jennifer Johnson

Bond has been set at $100,000 for an 84-yearold Elgin man charged with robbing a Park Ridge jewelry store last year of more than $100,000 worth of diamonds.

Frank J. Minella, of the first block of West Shoe Factory Road, was arrested Thursday in connection with the armed robbery of the Solari and Huntington Fine Jewelers store in Park Ridge’s Uptown area on Nov. 19, 2020, police said in a news release.

According to police, a man entered the store at 100 Main St. just before 7 p.m. and began speaking with employees about diamonds, which were placed on the counter. The man then pulled out a handgun, pointed it at an employee, grabbed three diamonds and left the store, police said.

The value of the diamonds was approximately $106,000, police said.

At the time of the report, the suspect was described by police as appearing to limp when he walked.

Park Ridge Executive Officer Tom Gadomski said Minella was identified as the robbery suspect through store surveillance video, which was shared with other law enforcement agencies.

Minella does not appear to have a criminal history, Gadomski said.

During a virtual bond hearing Friday, Assistant State’s Attorney Maria Lopez said Minella was caught on surveillance video selling the diamonds reported stolen in the robbery.

“This one boggles my mind,” said Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mike Hood of the allegations, noting Minella’s age.

Hood set bond at $100,000, requiring Minella to post $10,000 in order to be released. If he is released, he will need to surrender any firearms he has, Hood said.

“A hundred thousand dollars’ worth of diamonds, a $100,000 D (bond),” he said.

Minella told the judge he had $1,500 he could post.

“Can I get out with that?” he asked.

“No, you need $10,000 to get out,” Hood replied. “You need another $8,500.”

When asked if Minella is suspected in any other robberies, Gadomski said only that an investigation is continuing.

The diamonds stolen in the Park Ridge robbery have not yet been recovered, he said.

Minella was taken into police custody at his home and charged with aggravated robbery and theft, police said.

His next court appearance is scheduled for July 9.