EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
OtherFeb 11, 2014
Men in Craigslist scam charged with attempted theft
Three men whose arrest last year led to the uncovering of a scheme to steal diamonds and jewelry from Craigslist sellers are now facing federal charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.
Oakland, Calif.--Three men whose arrest last year led to the uncovering of a scheme to steal diamonds and jewelry from Craigslist sellers are now facing federal charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.
Keegan Cotton Jr., Jaedon Evans and Rafael Davis were arrested in Oakland last summer for their involvement in an attempt to steal a diamond from a woman who had flown from Colorado to California to sell her diamond through a Craigslist ad.
A criminal complaint filed by FBI agent Paul Healy in U.S. District Court in Oakland identified Cotton and Evans as the two that attempted to rob the victim, while Evans was driving the car used to flee the scene, according to the complaint.
The San Jose Mercury News reports that the arrests of the three and resulting investigation of cell phone records led to the discovery of a ring of thieves that allegedly stole cut diamonds, jewelry and Rolex watches by luring at least 18 victims from around the country to Oakland via Craigslist, the popular classified ad website.
According to local news, a member of the crew posing as a jewelry buyer would contact sellers using Craigslist and offer a plane ticket to the Bay Area to purchase the item. The seller would then be met with a limousine, often paid for with a stolen credit card, and taken to the location where the robbery would occur.
Last month, an FBI agent filed an affidavit in federal court in Sacramento, Calif. as part of an application to get a search warrant to search the Tracy, Calif., home of a fourth defendant, Michael Martin.
Martin was arrested during the subsequent search, and has since been charged in U.S. District Court in Sacramento with being an ex-felon in illegal possession of a gun. Though he has not yet been charged in connection with the group, the affidavit alleges that he was a key player.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office told National Jeweler that Cotton, Evans and Davis have all been detained. The three have been charged in the federal criminal complaint in filed in Oakland on the counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce and aiding and abetting.
All three will go before Magistrate Judge Kandis Westmore within the next week--Cotton on Feb. 18 in an initial appearance for an I.D. of Counsel hearing and Davis on Wednesday and
Evans on Thursday for detention hearings, according to the U.S. Federal Courts website.
More on Other
The Latest
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
