Crime

Arrests Made in LA Watch Robbery, Multi-City Jewelry Thefts

CrimeMay 19, 2021

Arrests Made in LA Watch Robbery, Multi-City Jewelry Thefts

Four suspects—three in the armed robbery of a jeweler at a restaurant, and one serial jewelry thief—have been detained in recent months.

New York—Several arrests have been made in recent months in cases involving a stolen Richard Mille watch and a suspect wanted for thefts in more than 20 stores. 
 
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, three men have been arrested for allegedly committing an armed robbery at a Beverly Hills restaurant in March
 
A press release from the office said Malik Lamont Powell, 20, Khai McGhee (aka Cameron Smith), 18, and Marquise Anthony Gardon, 30, were arrested on a federal criminal complaint that charges the three Los Angeles men with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. 
 
An affidavit filed with the complaint explains that on the afternoon of March 4, an armed robbery happened at Il Pastaio restaurant in Beverly Hills, during which time a restaurant patron was held at gunpoint while three men robbed him of his Richard Mille wristwatch worth about $500,000. 
 
A struggle for the gun ensued and approximately two rounds were fired, hitting another patron in the leg. 
 
The gun was ultimately dropped on the ground during the struggle, and the robbers fled the scene with the watch. 
 
Based on video surveillance footage and witness statements, officials believe five individuals were involved in the crew that committed the robbery. 
 
Powell and McGhee have been identified as two of the three robbers; their arraignments are scheduled for June 3. 
 
Gardon is believed to be the driver of the getaway car, according to the affidavit; his arraignment is scheduled for June 17. 

 Related stories will be right here … 
The men face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
 
A spokesperson for the office said the watch had not yet been recovered and that there is no new information at this time regarding the remaining two suspects. 
 
Additionally, Oklahoma police report an alleged serial jewelry thief was arrested in Enid in March. 
 
According to the incident report, on March 18, two Enid police officers responded to a call from a Zales jewelry store about a man inside the location who looked like a suspect wanted in multiple thefts at Zales stores throughout Texas and Oklahoma. 
 
While one officer went outside with the man—he gave the name Christopher Johnson but was later identified as Quincy Boyton—the other spoke to the store manager, who said the stores had been in communication about the suspect’s appearance and method: asking an employee to see a piece and then snatching it out of his or her hands before fleeing. 
 
The officer also got in touch with Signet’s regional loss prevention manager, who told police the company has 23 revolving cases for which Boyton was the identified suspect of each.  
 
The estimated total of the thefts is about $337,000. 
 
Boyton was arrested in Enid for trying to run from the police and giving a false identity; he has been charged in Garfield County with burglary, obstructing an officer, and possession of a firearm as a felon. 
 
Police in Edmond, Oklahoma identified the suspect they were looking for in a jewelry store robbery as the same man. 

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

×

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