Crime

Ex-UFC Fighter Charged in New Jersey Jewelry Theft

CrimeApr 20, 2023

Ex-UFC Fighter Charged in New Jersey Jewelry Theft

Karl Roberson is accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of jewelry and watches from a childhood friend.

20230420_KarlRoberson.jpg
Mixed martial artist Karl Roberson (left) was arrested and charged last month in connection with the home burglary of friend Ryan Leonard (right). (Image courtesy of Instagram.com/@njf_ceo)
Howell, N.J.—Ex-UFC fighter Karl Roberson has been charged with a series of crimes related to a burglary at the home of childhood friend Ryan Leonard in Howell, New Jersey.

According to the Howell Township (N.J.) Police Department, 32-year-old Roberson burglarized the home on West Farms Road with co-conspirator Dathan Thompson, also 32, on Dec. 26, 2022.

Roberson and Thompson are accused of stealing more than $200,000 in “exotic jewelry and valuables.”

In an interview with Fox News, the victim, Leonard, specified that the burglars made off with his $80,000 Rolex Presidential watch, $60,000 worth of Cuban chains, and a $30,000 bracelet, among other items.

Leonard said he’s known Roberson since he was 18 and the fighter was 14, both having grown up in nearby Neptune, New Jersey.

Leonard is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq from 2009 to 2010, and later found success with his product development, sourcing, and supply chain management business NJF Worldwide.

Roberson experienced his own come-up story as a kickboxer-turned-mixed martial artist who earned a coveted spot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), mixed martial arts’ most celebrated league, in 2017.  

His success, however, had recently taken a turn. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

After a somewhat promising start in the UFC, COVID reschedules, health issues, and a couple of missed weigh-ins seemed to turn the tide for the fighter starting in 2020.

In July 2022, after four consecutive losses, the UFC released Roberson.

Howell Township detectives said they used, “advanced training in technical applications,” as well as cell phone data analysis to investigate the home burglary.

Leonard told Fox News he recognized the pink shoes one of the suspects wore in home surveillance video of the burglary as those of Thompson. He said Thompson had traveled the world with Roberson as his “right-hand man.” 

Despite initially not believing police when they indicated Roberson could be involved, Leonard said he eventually realized the body language of the burglar—who, along with the other suspect, was wearing a hoodie, face mask, and gloves—matched that of his friend. 

“I couldn’t unsee it as much as I wanted to,” Leonard told Fox News. He believes Roberson was able to case the house via before and after images he had sent him while it was being built.  
 
On March 27, Roberson was arrested during a motor vehicle stop in Neptune. 

Police said he was driving a car associated with the burglary. While searching the vehicle, officers found a “defaced 9 mm handgun with an extended magazine,” suspected packages of crack cocaine, and other items associated with the burglary. 

Roberson has been charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and several weapons charges. 

Thompson, who was arrested the same day as Roberson without incident at his home, is facing burglary, theft, and criminal mischief charges. 

The Latest

2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest Auction

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

Logo for “In the Loupe,” Punchmark’s podcast
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Harwell Godfrey Met Gala brooch with Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready Brooch

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 for 2025
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ List

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Sissys Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New Store

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

Gunderson’s Jewelers
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV Series

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

Zadok Jewelers Austin store
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in Austin

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

Nancy Astor Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to Auction

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

David DeCook Crater of Diamonds State Park 3.81-carat brown Duke Diamond
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

Kraft Mac & Cheese x Ring Concierge Forever Macaroni Necklace
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Angely Martinez emerald Promise ring
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise Ring

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

Stuller 2025-2026 bridal catalog
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Americut Gems
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple Effect

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

2025 Instore Jewelry Show Graphic
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and Focus

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy