CrimeAug 22, 2023
JSA Shares Safety Tips After Safe BurglariesCrimeAug 30, 2023
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.
Keith Poynter Jr., 29, was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for his involvement in a series of armed robberies that took place over the course of a single day in Baltimore in December 2019.
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man convicted in April for his involvement in a series of armed commercial robberies committed in a single day in December 2019 has been sentenced.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
