CrimeJan 02, 2025
Rolex Sale That Went South Led to Murder of Florida Jeweler, Report SaysCrimeJan 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.
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 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.
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva AuctionThe nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.
