September 13, 2011 - Following a seven-month investigation, officers in the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division, with assistance from the FBI, have arrested two of three suspects charged in a major jewelry business theft that resulted in the seizure of $2.5 million of items purchased by the suspects.

Jason Clay Kennedy (w/m, DOB: 2-2-71) and John Dewayne O’Brien (w/m, DOB: 8-25-64) are in custody.  Investigators are asking for assistance in locating Kelvin Lynn O’Brien (w/m, DOB: 2-14-67).  All three suspects are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in the 338th State District Court.  Kennedy and John O’Brien were arrested in the Dallas / Fort Worth area on September 6.  Kelvin O'Brien is believed to be in the Dallas area.  Photos of all three suspects are attached to this news release.

At a news briefing at HPD Headquarters today (Sept. 13), investigators revealed the same suspects are believed responsible for as many as 30 similar thefts in Texas and Oklahoma dating back to the year 2000.

On the night of February 5, an estimated $6 million worth of jewelry, diamonds, gold and watches were stolen in a burglary at the KARAT 22 Jewelers at 5623 Hillcroft.  It was determined the suspects gained entry through the roof of the business and then cut a hole into the vault to steal the merchandise.

A surveillance video showed two males dragging what appeared to be heavy objects from the area behind the jewelry store and into a Ford dually truck.  Further investigation identified Jason Kennedy, of Crowley, Texas, as the truck's owner.  The same truck was seen driving around the business several times on the night of the burglary.

The Major Offenders Career Criminals Squad and FBI Major Theft Task Force joined forces and learned the suspects had purchased numerous luxury items including a Cabin Cruiser, high end Mercedes Benz, a Land Rover, a $500,000 home, just to name a few.  Investigators obtained and executed seizure warrants a the suspects' businesses.  All items mentioned above, as well as heavy duty cranes from a crane company, were seized by investigators, who then obtained arrest warrants.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kelvin Lynn O'Brien is urged to contact the HPD Major Offenders Division at 713-308-3100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.