Crime

4 Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap Jeweler

CrimeJan 23, 2025

4 Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap Jeweler

The suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.

Mugshots of Zacary Briggs, Aaron Hammond, Tre’von Anthony Neal, and Evan Puckett
From left to right, Zacary Briggs, Aaron Hammond, Tre’von Anthony Neal, and Evan Puckett. The four men are accused of planning to kidnap and rob a jeweler of his cryptocurrency. (Image courtesy of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance)
Miami—Four men were arrested in Broward County, Florida, earlier this month after allegedly planning to kidnap and rob a Miami jeweler.

The men were identified in court documents as: Zacary Briggs, 22; Aaron Hammond, 21; Tre’von Anthony Neal, 20; and Evan Puckett, 18, though they went by nicknames in their intercepted communications.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court, on Jan. 6, a confidential source informed authorities that a man he referred to as “Jack” was gathering a group of people to kidnap a jeweler who worked in the Seybold Building in downtown Miami, a popular space for jewelers.

The source said Jack had been in contact with the jeweler online and wanted to exchange a large amount of cryptocurrency for cash, according to the affidavit.

Jack included the informant in a group chat on the Telegram app with the three other men known as “Dot,” Swipey,” and “Tim,” a collection of individuals Jack referred to as the “goons.”  

Swipey is believed to be Puckett, authorities said, though they did not specify which nicknames the other men went by.

Jack sent the group a screenshot of the jeweler’s digital wallet, which showed he held about $2 million in cryptocurrency.

Jack and his partner, Tim, agreed to provide the group with $3,500 to facilitate the kidnapping.

The plan was to hold the jeweler hostage until the crypto ransom was paid, according to the affidavit. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The men planned to bring firearms, including Mac-10s and .223 assault-style rifles, said the affidavit. 

The group asked the informant to provide a vehicle for the kidnapping so the men could scope out the area prior to the kidnapping.

Tim arranged for the informant, known as “D,” to meet with Puckett to pick up the car.

Instead of sending D, investigators sent an undercover agent posing as D to meet Puckett, providing him with a black 2023 Chevy Tahoe. The car was outfitted with audio and video recording devices. 

On Jan. 13, authorities tracked Neal’s cellphone as he and another suspect went to meet with Puckett to commit the kidnapping.

In a recording, three members of the group were heard talking about the kidnapping plot, the affidavit states.

One man was heard saying that “one knock” should be enough to subdue the victim, but that he didn’t want to cause serious damage.

According the affidavit, another man replied that he didn’t want the victim to stab or shoot him, presumably in self-defense, while a third man replied he would kill the victim.

The men were intercepted by authorities when they parked the car before the kidnapping could take place.

Briggs, Hammond, and Puckett were arrested immediately, followed by Neal, who had fled toward a nearby business, a short time later.

Authorities interviewed the four men after taking them into custody.

Neal said his role was to protect the “crew” if the jeweler tried to defend himself with a weapon, said the affidavit. He had a knife on him, it said, but he claimed he didn’t intend to use it.

Puckett admitted the group intended to rob the victim for his cryptocurrency, authorities said, but only planned to use the guns he brought if he needed to defend himself.

Briggs told authorities at first that he was hired as a driver for $500 per day, but later admitted he was aware of the plan, though insisted he would only act as the driver.

If he felt threatened, Briggs told authorities he planned to run the aggressor over with the truck.

Briggs also said the plan was that Puckett would meet with the jeweler under the pretense that he wanted to exchange watches for cryptocurrency, though there wouldn’t really be any watches.

He said Puckett was known for scamming people out of cryptocurrency.

Hammond told authorities the plan was to lure the jeweler to the car, rob him, and then let him go.

Following their arrests, the men were booked into Broward Sheriff’s Office jail.

They are facing federal charges of kidnapping conspiracy, attempted conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and attempted Hobbs Act extortion.

The Latest

Woman with hands crossed wearing jewelry
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Jean-Christophe Bédos Birks
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

Harry Winston Ginza Flagship Exterior, Interior
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in Japan

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

All Hours: Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry x Oak and Luna Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ Collab

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sothebys The Desert Rose orangy pink diamond collectors week
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

Taylor Swift Engaged
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

11,685-carat Imboo emerald
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Shopping cart
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income Worries

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

Mine + Found Play Collection Prize Bubble Locket, Whistle Pendent, Fortune Dice
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy