Full Notification

On 2/19/2011, at about 04:05 AM, the Walnut Creek Police Department received a report of an alarm at Stanley Piller & Associates (800 S. Broadway), a rare coin dealer. Upon arrival, officers found that the business had been forcibly entered and burglarized. Over the course of the following days, Billy Vassiliou was identified as a person of interest.

On 3/2/11, a search of Vassiliou’s person, home and vehicle was conducted and he was arrested for a probation violation. On that same date, a portion of the stolen coins (approximately $30k) was recovered at a different location, but linked to Vassiliou.

During the months that followed, the investigation continued and additional evidence was developed that positively identified Vassiliou as one of the responsibles for the burglary.

On 6/27/11, this case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Vassiliou was charged with 459 PC (2nd degree burglary), 487 PC (grand theft), 496 PC (receiving stolen property) and 368(d) PC (elder abuse – due to the age of the victim). A warrant was subsequently issued for Vassiliou’s arrest. Several attempts have been made to take Vassiliou in to custody but he has thus far eluded capture. There is currently a $1000 reward being offered for information leading to Vassiliou’s arrest.

Anyone with information on Vassiliou’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844.