Crime

FBI Nabs Suspect Wanted in 2014-2015 Smash-and-Grab Spree

CrimeApr 24, 2019

FBI Nabs Suspect Wanted in 2014-2015 Smash-and-Grab Spree

Arthur Berry Jr. allegedly led a group that conducted jewelry store smash-and-grabs across six states.

Detroit—A man wanted since 2015 in connection with a smash-and-grab robbery spree that spanned six states has been apprehended and appeared in federal court Tuesday.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, the FBI’s Phoenix division arrested 32-year-old Arthur Berry Jr. on March 18.

He was extradited to Michigan earlier this week to face charges of conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery.

Berry, who is from Detroit, fled to Arizona in 2015 after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Michigan earlier that year, authorities said.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Berry allegedly helped to lead a group that conducted the following smash-and-grab jewelry store robberies:
— September 2014 at Jared the Galleria of Jewelry in Toledo, Ohio;
— October 2014 at Lux Bond & Green Jewelers in West Hartford, Connecticut;
— November 2014 at Fink’s Jewelers in Sterling, Virginia;
— November 2014 at RF Moeller Jewelry in St. Paul, Minnesota;
— February 2015 at Jared in Erie, Pennsylvania; and
— September 2015 at Jared in Portage, Michigan.

The Detroit-based robbery crew to which Berry was allegedly connected was one of two gangs perpetrating smash-and-grab jewelry story robberies across the country in 2014 and 2015. (The other crew was based out of Oakland, California.)

The gangs were so effective in their methods that they contributed to what the Jewelers’ Security Alliance described as an “explosion” in smash-and-grab robberies in the industry in 2014. After police began arresting members of the two gangs in 2015, the number of smash-and-grabs fell by 50 percent in the second half of 2015, the JSA said in its annual crime report for 2015.

Berry is the only remaining suspect out of nearly two dozen that have been prosecuted in connection with the robberies, according to the Attorney’s Office.

According to court documents, his co-defendants all pleaded guilty and received various sentences, including a 14-year prison term for one of the group’s leaders.

Berry faces six counts of conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery.

If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
SourcingAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Harry Winston Rare Jewels of the World
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in Shanghai

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

SSEF logo
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education Scholarships

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Spinelli Kilcollin Trade-In Bar Program Imagery
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In Program

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy