CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutCrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam
Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
Two suspects are charged with using counterfeit money to buy $300,000 worth of watches and jewelry from a jeweler in Pineville, North Carolina.
Charlotte, N.C.—Two Mississippi men are facing federal charges for using counterfeit money to buy high-end watches and jewelry from a retailer in Pineville, North Carolina.
Robert Lewis Elliott III, 36, and Devin Alonzo Elliott, 30, of Okolona, Mississippi, are charged with conspiracy to pass counterfeit obligations and passing counterfeit obligations, according to a press release from the office of Russ Ferguson, U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The criminal indictment was filed in August and was unsealed on Sept. 25 after the defendants’ court appearances.
According to the indictment, the two men traveled from Mississippi to North Carolina in June, entering the jewelry store, identified in local reports as Solitaire Jewelry at the Carolina Place Mall, on June 26.
They allegedly told an employee that they intended to buy $300,000 worth of watches and jewelry. They left a $1,000 cash deposit and said they would return the next day to finalize the sale.
The following day, June 27, the men did return.
According to the indictment, Robert allegedly handed over $10,000 (a stack of genuine $100 bills) for the employee to count.
The bills were counted using an electronic counter and verified with a counterfeit detection pen, the release said.
Then, the indictment alleges, Robert used a sleight-of-hand technique to swap the genuine bills with a stack of counterfeit bills, which were placed in the store’s safe as payment.
Robert used the same stack of genuine bills over and over, repeating the process until all the counterfeit money was in the safe.
Related stories will be right here …
Robert Lewis Elliott III, 36, and Devin Alonzo Elliott, 30, of Okolona, Mississippi, are charged with conspiracy to pass counterfeit obligations and passing counterfeit obligations, according to a press release from the office of Russ Ferguson, U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The criminal indictment was filed in August and was unsealed on Sept. 25 after the defendants’ court appearances.
According to the indictment, the two men traveled from Mississippi to North Carolina in June, entering the jewelry store, identified in local reports as Solitaire Jewelry at the Carolina Place Mall, on June 26.
They allegedly told an employee that they intended to buy $300,000 worth of watches and jewelry. They left a $1,000 cash deposit and said they would return the next day to finalize the sale.
The following day, June 27, the men did return.
According to the indictment, Robert allegedly handed over $10,000 (a stack of genuine $100 bills) for the employee to count.
The bills were counted using an electronic counter and verified with a counterfeit detection pen, the release said.
Then, the indictment alleges, Robert used a sleight-of-hand technique to swap the genuine bills with a stack of counterfeit bills, which were placed in the store’s safe as payment.
Robert used the same stack of genuine bills over and over, repeating the process until all the counterfeit money was in the safe.
Once the employee had finished counting the money, he asked Robert for his identification to complete the sale.
Robert allegedly said that he needed to go to his car to get his ID as well as money to buy more jewelry.
The two men then exited the store and fled, taking watches and jewelry valued at a combined $300,000, as per the release.
The stolen items were: a Patek Philippe diamond watch ($90,000), an Audemars Piguet watch ($48,000), a Cartier watch ($25,000), four Rolex watches ($76,300 total), a rose gold Cuban link chain ($32,000), a gold bracelet ($17,500), a bangle bracelet ($8,200), diamond earrings ($1,000), and 24-karat gold earrings ($2,000).
Robert and Devin were released on bond, the release said.
If convicted, they face up to five years in prison for conspiracy to pass counterfeit obligations and 20 years in prison for passing counterfeit obligations.
More on Crime
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
