Two hooded burglars spent more than four hours at a Tennessee businessman’s home, climbing onto the roof and spraying black paint over security cameras and lights, according to the homeowner. He says watches and jewelry worth an estimated $1.5 million disappeared during the break-in.
Chuck McDowell, founder of the timeshare-exit company Wesley Financial Group, was on a family trip to Florida with his wife when the burglary occurred at their downtown Franklin home on October 24, 2026. When they returned, they found a broken window and signs that someone had entered the property, WKRN reported.
McDowell estimates that about a dozen missing watches alone are worth more than $1 million. He also reported the theft of David Yurman jewelry, according to Williamson Scene, which interviewed him about the burglary.
By November 2, McDowell was publicly offering $100,000 in cash for information leading to the return of his belongings. Franklin police confirmed to Williamson Scene that investigators were following leads.
Surveillance Recorded Two Hooded People at the House for Four Hours
McDowell said surveillance footage captured two people wearing hooded clothing around the property. He told WKRN they used black spray paint taken from his shed to obscure cameras and lights, but at least one camera still recorded part of their movements.
The available footage placed the intruders at the house from approximately 9:24 p.m. on October 24 until 1:30 a.m. on October 25, according to Williamson Scene. McDowell believes they spent roughly three hours trying to open a gun safe and much less time gathering the valuables they took.
When he came home, McDowell found a screwdriver sticking out of the top of the safe. He also noticed drawers that had been opened without their contents being thoroughly searched, which led him to suspect the burglars had particular valuables in mind.
One Missing Watch Was an Anniversary Gift From His Wife
One of the stolen watches was a gift from McDowell’s wife for their 10th wedding anniversary. He told NewsChannel 5 the caseback was engraved with the words “To my greatest adventure.” McDowell said at least two of the missing watches could not simply be replaced by buying another example.
His $100,000 Offer Focuses on Getting the Stolen Property Back
McDowell said he would pay $100,000 for information that leads to the return of the stolen collection, even if it does not result in a criminal conviction.
He told Williamson Scene that he was prepared to meet at a bank with someone who could help him recover the property. McDowell’s $100,000 offer is separate from Williamson County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
Franklin Police Are Following Leads and Accepting Tips
Williamson Scene identified Detective Michael Oliver as one of the investigators handling the case. Anyone with information can contact Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 615-794-4000. The department’s official tip page also explains how to submit information anonymously online or by texting the keyword 615FPD and a tip to 847411.