Southern California has arrested a man accused of stealing the gold medal of an Olympic champion. However, the prize from 2020 Tokyo Games is still missing.
Police said that the medal was taken from Jordyn Pulter, U.S. women’s volleyball player, in Anaheim in May.
Police said that Jordan Fernandez (31), Anaheim was arrested Tuesday for first-degree residential burglary and second-degree vehicle burglary. He also faces identity theft, possession of narcotics and criminal conspiracy.
Poulter (24), the starting setter, and U.S. women’s volleyball team made history when they won their first Olympic gold at 2020 Tokyo Games. This was after being delayed until last year.
Poulter, a California-based athlete who lives in Anaheim, left her medal in a bag when she left it unlocked in her car. She parked it in a garage that had two cars and the garage door opened on May 25. She claimed she went to Zoom and left the bag behind.
Poulter stated Tuesday that he had accidentally forgotten to remove it.
Police said Fernandez was taken into custody Friday. According to court records, Fernandez was arrested Friday.
Fernandez’s public lawyer was not able to respond to an email that was sent to him.
Anaheim police stated that Poulter will pay a $1,000 reward if he can find the medal’s return.
“Our goal is to get Jordyn’s medal back,” Sgt. Jacob Gallacher stated.
The first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. women’s soccer team was at the 2020 Games. They were held in 2021 following the postponement of the 2020 Games due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the finals, Brazil was swept by the U.S. women.
The U.S. women’s team had won three medals in silver — in 2008, 2008, and 1984 — but never a gold.
Poulter stated that she doesn’t think she will ever get the medal back.
