Only best will do for Rolex-obsessed thief in Fla. — gold, Presidential and $50,000

Associated Press

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 8:01 AM

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - A Florida thief with a peculiar penchant for Rolex watches faces up to 25 years in prison.

Leonardo Perez has pleaded guilty to charges he stole eight gold Rolex Presidential edition watches, each worth $50,000, over four months in 2007. The crime spree began just after Perez finished a 17-year sentence for stealing Rolexes in South Florida.

The 36-year-old Miami native is so loyal he even has the Rolex logo tattooed on a forearm. Investigators say he's been able to glimpse and follow drivers wearing the watch from the other side of the road.

Perez was supposed to be sentenced Thursday in Orange County, but the hearing was delayed.

He primarily found victims out shopping, followed them home and robbed them at gunpoint.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com

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