By Julie Shapiro and Tom Liddy
DNAinfo Staff
MANHATTAN — She's got some set of stones.
Cops are hunting for a lithe larcenist with a history of prostitution arrests who swiped $360,000 in diamonds from a gem dealer as he snoozed at a swank Tribeca Hotel last week, according to police and reports.
Sources said the sultry suspect, Erika Cooper, 34, of Upper Manhattan, made off with a leather attache case containing 45 uncut diamonds weighing an eye-popping 289 carats in the wee hours of April 17.
A surveillance photo captures the scantily-clad Cooper, who also goes by the name Bianca Williams, sauntering through the hallway of the hotel, sources said.
Cops said that the victim met Cooper at the Whiskey Park Bar, on Central Park South, where he had been drinking earlier in the night.
Sources said that 5-foot-9 Cooper, who weighs 120 pounds, suggested that they head back to a hotel room.
According to the New York Post, which first reported the story, the pair stopped at a CVS where Cooper bought a $500 gift card and condom.
After they arrived at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, at 95 West Broadway, in Tribeca, on April 17, the 47-year-old victim passed out and Cooper allegedly made off with the stones.
According to the Cosmopolitan's website, the hotel boasts "clean, comfortable guest rooms at an affordable price."
Sources said that the suspect, an Ohio native, has two prior arrests for prostitution dating back to 2007.
According to the sources she was first arrested on May 23, 2007, but pleaded guilty later that year to disorderly conduct.
Cooper was arrested again on June 18, 2007 for loitering for the purpose of promoting prostitution, but the case was not resolved.
According to sources, she allegedly stopped three passersby during a 15 minute period on 54th Street and Seventh Avenue.
A bench warrant was issued for her arrest on March 5, 2008 because she failed to show up for a court appearance, sources said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
