ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CrimeFeb 15, 2017
2 Arrested in 2015 Arkansas Jewelry Store Robbery
Police have arrested the two men who allegedly brandished handguns during the smash-and-grab robbery of Roberson’s Fine Jewelry in Little Rock.
Little Rock, Ark.--Officials said Tuesday that two gunmen have been arrested in connection with the 2015 smash-and-grab robbery of an Arkansas jewelry store.
Christopher R. Thyer, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced via a press release the arrests of 27-year-old Quinshod Shaw and 29-year-old Darris Denton, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The two men used handguns during the midday robbery of Roberson’s Fine Jewelry in Little Rock in September 2015, according to the release.
Shaw was taken into custody Monday afternoon in Norman, Oklahoma, and appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin in the Western District of Oklahoma. Denton, meanwhile, was served an arrest warrant on Monday while being held in the McAlford Corrections Center in Stringfield, Oklahoma, on unrelated state charges.
Following the arrests, a second superseding indictment, returned by a grand jury on Feb. 7, was unsealed. It added Shaw and Denton to the list of five defendants previously indicted in connection with the robbery, Thyer said.
On Sept. 22, 2015, Shaw and Denton entered Roberson’s Fine Jewelry along with Tony Gabriel, 49, and Siee Ramon Russell, 38.
While Shaw and Denton allegedly pointed guns at employees and a customer, Russell smashed the jewelry cases with a hammer and Gabriel grabbed jewelry items--including diamond earrings, bracelets and rings--valued at more than $300,000.
The four men fled the store and left the scene of the crime in a stolen truck, which then was abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. In that neighborhood, the group is alleged to have met up with Lenora Grant, 60, Jobie Kirk, 51, and Darryl Madden, 52. All seven of them drove back to Oklahoma in two vehicles.
Using broken shards of glass from the smashed cases, the Little Rock Police Department was able to obtain blood samples and identify Russell’s DNA.
Police also found a hat used by one of the perpetrators during the robbery in the stolen truck that was abandoned; a DNA sample taken from that item identified Gabriel.
Meanwhile, surveillance video taken by Roberson’s confirmed what happened that day.
With the arrests of Shaw and Denton, all perpetrators in the case now are in custody, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
An indictment naming Gabriel and Russell was returned April 6, 2016. That original three-count indictment charged both with conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act violation (interfering with commerce by means of robbery), aiding and abetting a Hobbs Act violation, and aiding
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
and abetting brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Both men pleaded guilty in October 2016 before U.S. District Court Judge J. Leon Holmes. They will be sentenced at a later date. According to Thyer, Gabriel and Russell admitted to the facts of the robbery in their plea agreements, including everyone’s individual role.
The three getaway drivers--Grant, Kirk and Madden--were named in a first superseding indictment returned in July 2016 and containing the same charges. They are set to go to trial on April 24.
The second superseding indictment, the one that was unsealed Monday, also contains the same charges and names the two gunmen, Shaw and Denton.
After being transported to Little Rock, they will appear before Judge Holmes for plea and arraignment at a later date.
Both men pleaded guilty in October 2016 before U.S. District Court Judge J. Leon Holmes. They will be sentenced at a later date. According to Thyer, Gabriel and Russell admitted to the facts of the robbery in their plea agreements, including everyone’s individual role.
The three getaway drivers--Grant, Kirk and Madden--were named in a first superseding indictment returned in July 2016 and containing the same charges. They are set to go to trial on April 24.
The second superseding indictment, the one that was unsealed Monday, also contains the same charges and names the two gunmen, Shaw and Denton.
After being transported to Little Rock, they will appear before Judge Holmes for plea and arraignment at a later date.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
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.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
