CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreCrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is Sentenced
In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
Long Beach, California, residents Ladell Tharpe, 39; Jimmy Lee Vernon, 33; and Deshon Bell, 22; all have been sentenced to time in federal prison for their roles in a smash-and-grab jewelry store robbery.
Los Angeles—The third of three adult men charged in the March 2022 robbery of Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Ladell Tharpe, 39, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced March 31 by U.S. District Judge George H. Wu after pleading guilty in September 2024 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
According to authorities, Tharpe and three other men—22-year-old Deshon Bell, 33-year-old Jimmy Lee Vernon II, and an unnamed minor—drove three vehicles, one of which had been stolen, to the jewelry store in the middle of the afternoon on March 22.
Authorities said Bell acted as the getaway driver while the others used crowbars and sledgehammers to break the store’s display cases while employees and customers were in the store.
Related stories will be right here …
Ladell Tharpe, 39, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced March 31 by U.S. District Judge George H. Wu after pleading guilty in September 2024 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
According to authorities, Tharpe and three other men—22-year-old Deshon Bell, 33-year-old Jimmy Lee Vernon II, and an unnamed minor—drove three vehicles, one of which had been stolen, to the jewelry store in the middle of the afternoon on March 22.
Authorities said Bell acted as the getaway driver while the others used crowbars and sledgehammers to break the store’s display cases while employees and customers were in the store.
They stole at least 20 watches, 19 bracelets, eight rings, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, and a pair of obelisks worth approximately $2.7 million.
Two days after the robbery, Tharpe posted pictures of stacks of cash on Instagram along with a caption praising his “Robbery Gang,” authorities said, while Vernon’s cell phone fell out of his pocket at the jewelry store and was recovered by investigators.
Bell and Vernon also pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery each.
Bell, the getaway driver, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison in February 2024, while Vernon was sentenced in February to 80 months (six-and-a-half years) in prison.
All three men were ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution.
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
