GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
OtherFeb 24, 2014
Charges brought in series of smash-and-grabs
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced recently that it is bringing an indictment against eight Philadelphia men allegedly involved in a series of violent smash-and-grab robberies in the Northeast over the past few years.
Philadelphia--The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced recently that it is bringing an indictment against eight Philadelphia men allegedly involved in a series of violent smash-and-grab robberies in the Northeast over the past few years.
The robberies took place between July 2011 and November 2012 and included merchandise valued at more than $3.5 million total. The suspects hit stores across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Darrell Williams, 43, David Story, 45, Rufus Lawson, 47, Kenneth L. Williams, 51, Anthony Lockwood, 36, and 41-year-old Derrick Sherrill, all of Philadelphia, are being charged with conspiracy to commit robbery that interferes with interstate commerce.
They are also charged, along with 21-year-old Brian Sheed and Amin Abdur-Rahe Shabazz, 22, with robbery interfering with interstate commerce. Story, Lawson, Lockwood, Darrell Williams and Kenneth Williams also face charges of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to federal authorities, the robberies began in July 2011 with the Tourneau store in King of Prussia, Pa., where the suspects allegedly smashed the cases with hammers and stole $500,000 in Rolex watches. The robberies continued for more than a year, hitting additional stores including Govberg Jewelers and Bernie Robbins Jewelry in Pennsylvania, and Jay Roberts Jewelers and Hamilton Jewelers in New Jersey.
6ABC News in Philadelphia reports that none of the stolen jewels have been recovered.
Four of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted, and the others face mandatory minimum sentences of seven to 57 years.
Though the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not provide a comment about the indictment, a spokeswoman did confirm to National Jeweler that all defendants except two are in either local or federal custody. Sheed and Shabazz are out on bail.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department, among others, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.
“The diamond, jewelry and watch industry owes a great deal of thanks to these agencies for their excellent work and these important arrests,” the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said in an email statement sent out Monday.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Other
The Latest
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
