EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
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
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
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.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
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.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
