Alleged Thief Swallowed Evidence

LARGO (CBSMiami) – You've stolen two necklaces, but the police have caught you driving in a stolen car. What's a burglar to do? Swallow the necklaces of course.

Pinellas County Sheriff's officials said Joseph Ramos, 21, is facing burglary and tampering charges after an X-ray revealed a dark mass near his stomach while he was being booked into jail.

The dark mass turned out to be two necklaces stolen during a December 10 burglary in Safety Harbor, Florida.

Police caught Ramos driving a vehicle that was also stolen during the robbery with other items from the robbery in the car. Police found the evidence when he stepped in front of a SecurPass X-ray machine and the dark spot was identified as the necklaces.

Ramos underwent surgery to remove the necklaces, which the owner later identified.

Jail officials in Pinellas County said they had been using the X-ray machine since June to look for concealed items on inmates.

Science 1, Criminals 0.

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