One of two men arrested in connection with the theft of a wedding gift box containing about $60,000 in cash and checks from a banquet hall reception in Glendale pleaded not guilty Wednesday to criminal charges.
Armean Shirehjini, 41, of Sherman Oaks, is charged with one count each of second-degree burglary and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a working firearm.
Co-defendant Andranik Avetisyan, 37, of Los Angeles, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count each of second-degree burglary and misdemeanor child endangerment.
The theft was reported at 12:50 a.m. Aug. 31 at the Renaissance Banquet Hall, 1236 S. Central Ave., according to Glendale Police Department Sgt. Jose Barajas.
“Witnesses reported that shortly after midnight, a male suspect entered the banquet hall, grabbed the gift box and fled through an exit,” Barajas said. “Surveillance footage shows the suspect entering the passenger seat of a newer black Mercedes SUV, which then fled the area.”
Detectives used video surveillance and department resources to identify the primary suspect in the theft as Shirehjini, according to a statement released by the police department.
Detectives arrested Shirehjini, who allegedly was in possession of a handgun, and Avetisyan at Shirehjini’s home on Friday. Avetisyan was identified as the getaway driver the night of the theft, police said.
“Detectives executed search warrants at both suspects’ residences and recovered a large amount of cash and dozens of checks made out to the victims from the wedding,” according to the police department’s statement. “In addition, several firearms and various narcotics were seized from both residences.”
Groom George Farahat told KTLA5 that “it was a wonderful party until the incident took place. As is tradition in our culture, most people give cash or checks as gifts for the newlyweds, so there was a box containing all the envelopes, the cards and the money from family and friends that were invited.”
Jail records indicate that Shirehjini remained behind bars Wednesday afternoon, with his bail set at $125,000. Avetisyan was released from custody Tuesday after a $30,000 bond was posted, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The two men are set to appear Sept. 19 in a Pasadena courtroom for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence against them to allow the case against them to proceed to trial.