Sixteen individuals have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a violent crime ring that targeted Asian American-owned jewelry stores. The U.S. Department of Justice, alongside other agencies, announced the charges on Wednesday, accusing the defendants of committing armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses.
According to the indictment, these crimes occurred between January 2022 and January 2023. The 16 defendants are said to have planned the robberies in Washington, D.C., with the intention of carrying them out in Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Specifically, they targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans.
During the robberies, the suspects would wear dark clothing, masks, and gloves while carrying firearms. At least one other individual would be present in a vehicle, sometimes stolen, to aid in the getaway. The crimes took place in various locations, including E. Falls Church and Springfield in Virginia, Iselin and Paterson in New Jersey, Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, Jacksonville in Florida, and Franklin Park. Notably, one of the stores, Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique in Springfield, Virginia, was targeted twice.
Certain individuals within the group face additional charges. Will Hunter, for instance, is accused of conspiring with others to commit carjackings. He is also alleged to have conspired with Trevor Wright, Avery Fuller, and Franklin Hunter to launder the proceeds from the robberies.
FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy emphasizes the alleged violent and reckless nature of the crimes perpetrated by the suspects. He says their actions were aimed at terrifying and overwhelming the store owners and employees, showing a complete disregard for the potential harm they could inflict.
The indictment includes the names of the other defendants: Andrew Smith, Antonio Tate, Davon Johnson, Decarlos Hill, Delonte Martin, Hesham Gomaa, Jameise Christian, Jaylaun Brown, Keith McDuffie, Robert Sheffield, Timothy Conrad, and Lamont Marable. They are facing charges that include conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce, robbery under the Hobbs Act, using a firearm in a violent crime, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and conspiracy to engage in a monetary transaction with property derived from unlawful activity.
The arrest of several defendants was made possible through the joint efforts of federal agents and local law enforcement. When executing search warrants as part of the investigation, agents seized multiple guns and approximately $300,000 from a safe found in one of the residences.
The Assistant Director in Charge, David Sundberg, commends the collaborative work across state lines in connecting the defendants to these crimes. He emphasizes that the FBI, along with its partners, is committed to eradicating violent crime. Sundberg describes the defendants as having targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry from hardworking families.
This indictment, which follows an ongoing rise in crime rates in D.C., highlights the need for increased efforts to address and prevent such violent acts. Authorities continue their endeavors to ensure the safety and security of communities while bringing those responsible to justice.
