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.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
