RNC delegate's jewelry stolen

Up to $150,000 in jewelry and accessories were stolen at a downtown Minneapolis hotel during the Republican National Convention.

Last update: September 16, 2008 - 3:48 PM

A delegate to the Republican National Convention left town with lighter pockets after he was robbed of up to $150,000 in jewelry and accessories at a downtown Minneapolis hotel during the convention.

The man, a member of the Colorado delegation, had been at a party earlier in the evening, said Minneapolis police Sgt. Bill Palmer. After the night's events, which included Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's vice presidential acceptance speech, the man went to the Hotel Ivy, where he met a woman and invited her up to his room. Police believe he was drugged at some point.

The woman took off with a cell phone, cash, jewelry and expensive clothing valued at between $50,000 and $150,000, Palmer said.

While unsure of the exact value, Palmer characterized it as "considerable."

After waking up the next morning, the man called police to report the theft. Palmer said the case remains under investigation, but there is no indication that the incident was related to prostitution.

"It has nothing to do with that," Palmer said. "He has been very forthcoming with us, and he has a lot of details."

LORA PABST

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