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.

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.
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

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.


Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.