Baltimore Man Faces 26 Years for Single-Day Robbery Spree
Keith Poynter Jr. was sentenced earlier this month for a series of armed robberies in 2019.
On Aug. 17, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Keith Poynter Jr., 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced earlier this month.
His sentencing follows a four-day trial in April in which a federal jury found him guilty of robbery conspiracy; three counts of commercial robbery; conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and evidence presented during his trial, Poynter conspired with others, including 37-year-old Benjamin Bunn Jr. and 27-year-old Tiffany Gardner, to pull off three armed robberies on Dec. 6, 2019, two at jewelry stores and one at a pawn shop.
On that day, Poynter and another man robbed a jewelry store, in the presence of employees, in the 200 block of N. Howard Street.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the other person used a machete to keep the door from locking while Poynter struck a glass countertop with a gun, causing it to fire. He fired two more shots into another glass case and removed jewelry and other merchandise.
Both men fled the scene in a silver Acura TL, occupied and operated by Bunn and Gardner.
Later that same day, Poynter entered a jewelry store in the Security Square Mall in Baltimore County, pulled out a gun and demanded jewelry from an employee. He took the jewelry and again left in the same vehicle with Bunn and Gardner.
Approximately two hours later, Poynter entered a pawn shop in the 6600 block of Reisterstown Road, brandished a firearm, demanded jewelry, and threatened to shoot a customer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Poynter took jewelry and other merchandise, again leaving in Bunn and Gardner’s car.
Gardner pleaded guilty to her role in the robberies and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Bunn also pleaded guilty, before trial began, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 6.
The Latest
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.