Matlacha man charged with stealing $9,000 in jewelry from employer

10:34 A.M. — A man accused of taking over $9,000 worth of jewelry from his employer, was recently arrested by Cape Coral police.
Andrew Opsahl, 21, 5400 Birdsong Lane in Matlacha, is charged with grand theft, dealing in stolen property, fraudulent pawn transactions and violation of probation on multiple felony charges.
Police said he was arrested as was planning to flee the state to avoid capture.
On January 30, Opsahl's employer, who was not named, told police that he and his wife had told Opsahl he could stay with them last year because he had no place to go. The couple reported missing over $9,000 worth of jewelry. The victim sent a text message to Opsahl who admitted stealing the jewelry and pawning it at several locations, police said.
Cape Coral detective Jason Hicks confirmed that Opsahl pawned the jewelry through transaction paperwork and fingerprints.
On Feb. 18, police located Opsahl on a traffic stop and placed him under arrest. Opsahl was transported to police headquarters where he confessed to the crimes during an interview. Opsahl also admitted that he was aware that this arrest will land him in prison and he had plane tickets to Michigan in his possession. He was scheduled leave the day he was caught by police.