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
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
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.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
