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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
