ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
CrimeJun 28, 2016
2 Still Sought in So. California Smash-and-Grabs
The pair allegedly are part of the crew of nine recently indicted in a spate of smash-and-grab robberies at L.A.-area jewelry stores.
Los Angeles--Law enforcement officials are still searching for two of the nine men recently indicted in a spate of smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores in Southern California.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles confirmed to National Jeweler on Monday that 27-year-old Evan Scott of Inglewood, Calif. and Kenneth Paul, 21, of Los Angeles, remain at large.
Scott and Paul were among the group of men accused in a June 8 indictment of robbing a total of 10 jewelry stores over a nine-month span.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the men targeted stores known for carrying watch brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet and TAG Heuer and struck in the daytime, smashing up the display cases that the organizers had instructed them to beforehand.
In order to carry out the crimes, the organizers of the robbery ring allegedly recruited “financially desperate” young men with the promise of a big payout. Yet, despite the fact that they stole watches and jewelry worth a total of $6 million between August 2015 and April 2016, the men who were recruited often received a lot less money than promised, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The smash-and-grab robberies took place in mall jewelry stores and freestanding locations in Los Angeles, Canoga Park (two), Mission Viejo, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, West Hollywood, Torrance, Malibu and Santa Monica.
All nine men are charged with at least one of six counts alleging a Hobbs Act robbery, a robbery that interferes with commerce. Five of the defendants also face at least one charge of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, they were: 39-year-old Darrell Dent of Inglewood, who was allegedly the ringleader; 27-year-old Robert Johnson of Inglewood; Stanley Ford, 47, of Los Angeles; and 28-year-old Justin Henning of Inglewood.
Keith Walton, 45, of Los Angeles, 24-year-old Jameson Laforest of Inglewood, and 18-year-old Marshawn
Marshall were already in custody when the indictment was handed down, while Scott and Paul remain at large.
The defendants face a maximum of 20 years behind bars for violating the Hobbs Act and a consecutive sentence of seven years, or 10 if the gun was discharged, on the weapons charge.
The defendants face a maximum of 20 years behind bars for violating the Hobbs Act and a consecutive sentence of seven years, or 10 if the gun was discharged, on the weapons charge.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
