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
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans ApprovedThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
