CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyCrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies
Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Trevor Jonathan Wright, the 34-year-old rapper known as “Taliban Glizzy,” was sentenced on Dec. 16, 2025, to 219 months in prison for his involvement in a multi-state series of armed robberies.
Washington—Rapper Trevor Jonathan Wright, also known as “Taliban Glizzy,” has been sentenced to just over 18 years in prison for his role in a series of armed jewelry store robberies along the East Coast from 2022-2023.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, Wright was the leader of a 15-man crew that targeted jewelry stores with South Asian owners.
They amassed millions of dollars from the stolen goods, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in the release.
Wright, 34, pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2025, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
In his plea agreement, Wright accepted responsibility for his roles in the June 10, 2022, armed robbery of Virani Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, ($1.2 million in gold jewelry); the Oct. 25, 2022, armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry in Paterson, New Jersey, ($1.93 million in gold jewelry); and the Dec. 6, 2022, armed robbery of Kishek Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida, ($700,000).
He also accepted responsibility for unlawful possession of a machine gun in Miami on May 27, 2021.
Wright was arrested in December 2022, about a week after the Kishek Jewelers robbery, on an outstanding warrant issued by the Southern District of Florida. He was charged in August 2023.
“Trevor Wright and his crew terrorized victims from Northern New Jersey to South Florida. His crew left behind a wake of destruction and great financial loss for family-owned businesses,” said Pirro.
In addition to a 219-month prison term, Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Wright to serve four years of supervised release.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, Wright was the leader of a 15-man crew that targeted jewelry stores with South Asian owners.
They amassed millions of dollars from the stolen goods, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in the release.
Wright, 34, pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2025, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
In his plea agreement, Wright accepted responsibility for his roles in the June 10, 2022, armed robbery of Virani Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, ($1.2 million in gold jewelry); the Oct. 25, 2022, armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry in Paterson, New Jersey, ($1.93 million in gold jewelry); and the Dec. 6, 2022, armed robbery of Kishek Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida, ($700,000).
He also accepted responsibility for unlawful possession of a machine gun in Miami on May 27, 2021.
Wright was arrested in December 2022, about a week after the Kishek Jewelers robbery, on an outstanding warrant issued by the Southern District of Florida. He was charged in August 2023.
“Trevor Wright and his crew terrorized victims from Northern New Jersey to South Florida. His crew left behind a wake of destruction and great financial loss for family-owned businesses,” said Pirro.
In addition to a 219-month prison term, Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Wright to serve four years of supervised release.
From January 2022 to August 2023, Wright and 14 others schemed to rob multiple jewelry stores along the East Coast, according to court documents.
Some of the suspects’ vehicles were rented, stolen, or outfitted with stolen tags in order to evade law enforcement detection, the Attorney’s Office’s said, and at least one of the vehicles was carjacked by the crew at gunpoint.
The crew used sledgehammers to shatter doors and windows and employed a show of force to gain compliance from victims. At least one co-conspirator was armed with a firearm during each robbery.
They focused on taking heavy gold jewelry of high purity, which they later fenced in Miami and melted down into gold bars later sold for cash, said officials.
According to the Justice Department, the 14 other individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 35, have been charged in the case.
All but one of them has been sentenced.
The Latest
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
