Instagram Leads to Key Evidence in Robbery Case
Paul Bearman suspected Zach Winkler was behind the theft of a brightly colored couch but lacked solid proof. In an effort to gather evidence, he posted a reward on his Instagram account. His appeal paid off when someone sent him surveillance footage showing a man believed to be Zach transporting the stolen couch into an apartment building.
Police Investigation Intensifies
After receiving the footage, Paul promptly handed it over to the police. He also sent Zach a series of incriminating images via text, asserting, “This was the worst decision you ever made. I’ll make you famous.” However, this message did not seem to deter Zach; just eight days later, another break-in occurred in Merritt.
Details Emerge from the Second Robbery
The second robbery was captured on surveillance video, depicting a masked intruder in all black attire and purple latex gloves. The thief made off with several high-value items, including a $32,000 Goyard trunk, a Gucci snakeskin desk set worth $4,800, and a Pierre Gouriche cast aluminum chair valued at $3,500.
Further Evidence Points to Zach
As Paul gathered more evidence, he discovered something almost too coincidental to believe. A tipster had provided him with Zach’s profile from the dating app Hinge, which included a picture of Zach’s dog lounging on the very couch that had been stolen.
Law Enforcement Acts on New Developments
Days later, law enforcement arrested Zach, charging him with three counts of commercial robbery. Prosecutors noted that he had allegedly robbed another furniture store in Beverly Hills on the same day he had stolen from Paul’s establishment. For Paul, the arrest marked a long-awaited development in a series of troubling events.
Suspicion of Stolen Goods in Zach’s Vehicle
Following the second robbery, authorities received information about a significant object covered with a blanket in the back seat of Zach’s car. Paul speculated that it might be his stolen Goyard trunk. In a bold move, Paul contacted an associate and proposed a payment of $2,000 if the trunk was recovered and $1,000 if not.
Zach’s Continued Criminal Activity
Despite initially facing charges, Zach was released on $60,000 bail on May 4, 2023. A few weeks later, another burglary occurred at the home of Emily Oberg, a prominent influencer and founder of the fashion brand Sporty & Rich. The robbers made off with valuable designer items, and surveillance footage suggested the suspect bore a striking resemblance to Zach. Detectives noted that he had a pattern of targeting mid-century modern furniture.
Final Arrest and Sentencing
Zach was ultimately arrested again, facing a total of seven additional felony charges. After spending eight months in jail, he agreed to a plea deal, resulting in a sentence for one count of burglary and one count of identity theft. As he was released on probation in March 2024, his attorney reflected on potential motivations behind Zach’s actions, emphasizing a personal passion for mid-century modern furniture. Following his release, both the attorney and Zach have since ceased communication.
Dangers Persist in the Aftermath
As spring approached in 2024, Rachel Cleverley and her partner Josh Warner were on high alert. The couple operates a luxury jewelry brand and resides in a gated home in the Hollywood Hills. On March 26, just days after Zach’s release, their Ring camera recorded a slender figure with a close-cropped beard lurking near their property, capturing Josh apparently photographing their home. Three weeks later, another camera alert woke them at 3 a.m. The footage revealed a masked individual conducting suspicious activity on their property, heightening their sense of vulnerability.
