CHICAGO (August 26, 2009)—Nearly 20 years after thieves stole $1 million worth of necklaces, diamonds and other gems a jewelry salesman left in a car while he was inside a restaurant in Amarillo, a Chicago judge has ordered that some of the loot, which was stolen by a theft ring led by former Chicago police officer William Hanhardt be returned to its original owners.

New York-based jeweler Jeffrey Tamis estimates he lost about $150,000 in the theft.

He said he was shocked last year when authorities called to say some of his merchandise had been recovered.

After the judge's recent ruling, Tamis expects to recover about $30,000-worth of jewelry.