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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
