CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A federal search is underway for a man accused of taking part in a $1 million armed jewelry robbery that involved an unusual break-in through a neighboring business.
According to federal court documents, the robbery unfolded on January 6, 2026, when several suspects allegedly entered a vacant business located next to Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral.
Investigators say the group did not simply break through the jewelry store’s front entrance. Instead, they allegedly cut through the wall separating the neighboring property from the jewelry store, creating a hidden route into the business.
The suspects then reportedly waited for the jewelry store manager to arrive. Once the manager entered the store, authorities allege the robbers confronted the manager at gunpoint and forced open a safe.
The group allegedly escaped with more than $1 million worth of jewelry, along with two firearms belonging to the manager.
Investigators Trace Getaway Vehicle to Miami
According to the criminal complaint, investigators identified Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, as the person who allegedly drove the getaway vehicle.
Authorities say Sanchez Rivera traveled from Miami the night before the robbery and returned to the Miami area immediately after the crime.
The investigation later led authorities to Sanchez Rivera’s residence, where police reportedly recovered two firearms.
One of those weapons was allegedly identified as a firearm stolen from the jewelry store manager during the robbery. The evidence helped investigators build a case involving multiple suspects connected to the alleged operation.
Four Men Face Federal Charges
A superseding indictment has charged Sanchez Rivera, Osmani Barrios Carrera, Yunior Lopez Delgado and Alberto Perez-Elias in connection with the robbery.
The men are facing federal charges including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery and using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime.
If convicted, each defendant could face up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery conspiracy charge. The firearm allegation carries an additional mandatory consecutive seven-year sentence for brandishing a firearm.
Perez-Elias is now the subject of an active federal search as authorities continue working to locate him.
FBI Releases Description of Wanted Man
Federal authorities describe Alberto Perez-Elias as a white Hispanic man who is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. Investigators say he is bald and has brown eyes. He was born in Cuba and reportedly has ties to Hialeah and Miami.
Court documents list the suspect under the aliases Alberto Perez Elias and Alberto Perez. The documents also list two dates of birth: July 15, 1968, and July 12, 1972.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Perez-Elias remains somewhere in Florida or has left the state. It also remains unclear whether any of the $1 million in stolen jewelry has been recovered.
FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Information
The FBI is asking the public for help locating Perez-Elias.
Anyone who has information about the suspect or his whereabouts is encouraged to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can also be submitted through the FBI’s online tip system.
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to Perez-Elias’ arrest.
A federal arrest warrant for Perez-Elias was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on June 24, following the filing of initial charges.
The case is being investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, Hialeah Police Department and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesus M. Casas is prosecuting the case.
As investigators continue searching for Perez-Elias and working to determine what happened to the stolen jewelry, the unusual tunnel-style entry into the Cape Coral business remains one of the most striking elements of the alleged heist.
Do you think someone with information about the suspect will come forward for the $50,000 reward? Share your thoughts in the comments.
