CrimeMay 02, 2022
112 Rings Stolen in NYC Diamond District Distraction TheftCrimeMay 04, 2022
2 Plead Guilty in String of California Jewelry Thefts
Officials said the men and two other suspects stole more than $1 million in jewelry from Sam’s Club and JC Penney stores in nine counties.
Oakland, Calif.—Two members of what California officials are describing as an “organized retail theft ring” that operated across nine counties have pleaded guilty, and one has been sentenced.
According to the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Anton Malik Salaam of Mountain View, California, and Marion Paul Tilley of Campbell, California, worked with two other suspects to steal about $1 million in jewelry from Sam’s Club and JC Penney stores.
Between September 2020 and February 2021, the suspects “entered … by breaking and entering through exterior doors” of stores stretching from Placer County north of Sacramento to Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in Southern California.
Officers found jewelry and jewelry cases in two defendants’ homes that linked them to the thefts, the attorney general’s office said.
The arrests and pleas follow a coordinated investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in California.
Salaam was sentenced to 16 months while Tilley agreed to a 16-month prison sentence but has not yet been sentenced, the attorney general’s office said.
The third suspect—identified in court documents as Shamelia Demonica Clay of Campbell, California—has been charged with organized retail theft and child endangerment for allegedly having an assault weapon in the presence of a child.
The fourth suspect—identified in court documents as Rico Cornelius Raushing of Fresno, California—was also charged with organized retail theft.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Anton Malik Salaam of Mountain View, California, and Marion Paul Tilley of Campbell, California, worked with two other suspects to steal about $1 million in jewelry from Sam’s Club and JC Penney stores.
Between September 2020 and February 2021, the suspects “entered … by breaking and entering through exterior doors” of stores stretching from Placer County north of Sacramento to Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in Southern California.
Officers found jewelry and jewelry cases in two defendants’ homes that linked them to the thefts, the attorney general’s office said.
The arrests and pleas follow a coordinated investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in California.
Salaam was sentenced to 16 months while Tilley agreed to a 16-month prison sentence but has not yet been sentenced, the attorney general’s office said.
The third suspect—identified in court documents as Shamelia Demonica Clay of Campbell, California—has been charged with organized retail theft and child endangerment for allegedly having an assault weapon in the presence of a child.
The fourth suspect—identified in court documents as Rico Cornelius Raushing of Fresno, California—was also charged with organized retail theft.
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
