It’s the end of the rocky road (partially).
Acting on a tip from the public, an undercover operation has recovered two of the geodes stolen from the Rye Arts Center (RAC) ten days ago. The alledged thief had put the rocks up for sale on Facebook Marketplace (where you can also sell your car to scammers).
On Tuesday, March 25, 2026, Rye detectives received a tip from a member of the public in regard to the geodes stolen from the Rye Arts Center. The tip led detectives to a Facebook Marketplace seller who was selling geodes in close proximity to Rye. The geodes were positively identified as the same geodes stolen from the RAC.
Undercover Buy
Rye detectives were able to set up an undercover buy operation scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026. On Tuesday at 12:00pm, the undercover officer met with 27-year-old Kyle Folkes of New Rochelle, New York at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. Detectives from both the City of Rye and the Village of Mamaroneck apprehended Folkes shortly after he showed the stolen merchandise to the undercover officer. The estimated value of the two recovered geodes, according to the local benefactor Robert R. Wiener who has them on loan to the RAC, is a heavy $10,908 dollars.
Remaining Rocks Still on Facebook Marketplace?
Police will still need to chissel away at the case. Five geodes were stolen from the RAC, so the three smaller geodes are currently missing. Folkes may have a connection to the remaining rocks – that part of the investigation is ongoing.
A quick look at Facebook Marketplace on Tuesday evening shows six listings for geodes for sale. The seller is listed as Kyle Folkes in New Rochelle. “A specimen of this magnitude is rarely seen outside of high end mineral galleries or private estates,” says the listing for one. “I am listing this at a private-sale price of $6000 to ensure it goes to a collector who appreciates its rarity.”
Kyle Folkes was processed and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree, a class D Felony. He was arraigned in the Village of Mamaroneck’s Court and released on his own recognizance with a return date of April 9, 2026.
