CrimeSep 20, 2024
Oregon Jeweler Sentenced to 20 Years for Stealing From, Defrauding Customers CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery Charge
Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
Three individuals charged in the March 2022 smash-and-grab robbery at California jewelry store Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills have now pleaded guilty in the case. One of the perpetrators posted piles of cash on Instagram after the robbery, while another lost his cell phone at the scene.
Los Angeles—A California man has pleaded guilty to his role in a midday smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Beverly Hills, California, in 2022.
On Sept. 30, 39-year-old Ladell Tharpe of Long Beach, California, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (also known as Hobbs Act robbery) for his role in the March 22, 2022, smash-and-grab at Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a news release.
According to his plea agreement, Tharpe led the cars used to transport the robbers and the getaway car to the store on South Beverly Drive, then acted as the lookout while his co-conspirators proceeded to smash up the store.
The Beverly Hills Police Department said up to six suspects, all wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, used axes, sledgehammers, and crowbars.
They smashed the store’s display cases while customers and employees were in the store and made off with at least 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, all valued at $2.7 million, the DOJ said.
After the robbery, Tharpe posted pictures of large amounts of cash on Instagram accompanied by a caption that praised his “Robbery Gang.”
Related stories will be right here …
On Sept. 30, 39-year-old Ladell Tharpe of Long Beach, California, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (also known as Hobbs Act robbery) for his role in the March 22, 2022, smash-and-grab at Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a news release.
According to his plea agreement, Tharpe led the cars used to transport the robbers and the getaway car to the store on South Beverly Drive, then acted as the lookout while his co-conspirators proceeded to smash up the store.
The Beverly Hills Police Department said up to six suspects, all wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, used axes, sledgehammers, and crowbars.
They smashed the store’s display cases while customers and employees were in the store and made off with at least 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, all valued at $2.7 million, the DOJ said.
After the robbery, Tharpe posted pictures of large amounts of cash on Instagram accompanied by a caption that praised his “Robbery Gang.”
Beverly Hills police worked with the FBI on the case.
In September 2022, six months after the robbery, they arrested three other individuals in connection with the case: 33-year-old Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 22-year-old Deshon Bell, and a juvenile, all of Long Beach.
At the time of their arrest, Tharpe already was in custody for an unrelated offense.
According to the DOJ, Bell, who acted as the getaway driver, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
He was sentenced on Feb. 26 to one year and one day in federal prison.
Vernon was one of the perpetrators who went into the jewelry store and smashed up the display cases, according to the DOJ.
His cell phone fell out of the pocket of his sweatpants during the robbery and was recovered by law enforcement at the scene.
He pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery in August. His sentencing is set for Dec. 5.
Tharpe’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025.
Both Tharpe and Vernon face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
A spokesperson for the Beverly Hills Police Department said the case of the March 22 smash-and-grab robbery at Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills is now closed.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
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.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
