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.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
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.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
