Jewelry Store Thief Hid Stolen Rings In His Mouth

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Police have arrested a Connecticut man who they say stole expensive rings from two Long Island jewelry stores by distracting employees and hiding the items in his mouth.

Fifty-two-year-old Joseph Castro was charged with two counts of third-degree grand larceny and drug possession after Nassau County detectives caught him with heroin in Massapequa Park on Tuesday.

Police say Castro stole nine rings collectively valued at more than $22,000 from two stores in Bellmore and Massapequa between Sept. 9 and Sept. 28. Detectives say while he was in the Bellmore store he managed to slip eight rings into his mouth.

The Middletown, Connecticut man was arrested after he entered a third jewelry store near Sunrise Highway and employees recognized him.

Castro is being held after failing to make bail. His attorney couldn't be reached for comment.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.