All posts by : Ryan Ruddock

On 12/15/20, U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann sentenced 30-year-old Darren S. Bell to 39 months in prison. Bell pleaded guilty in February to talking part in an armed robbery on 1/25/19. Bell forfeited his right to a jury trial in return for a promise from the U.S. attorney to recommend Bell receive less than the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

On the date of the robbery, 41-year-old Altonio D. Benson of Detroit and a third accomplice entered a jewelry store at approximately 7:00 p.m. They then smashed open display cases with sledgehammers and ran away with more than $1 million worth of jewelry. Hobart police responded to the robbery and took Bell and Benson into custody. Police recovered more than $500,000 of stolen jewelry.

On 4/10/19, at approximately 8:00 p.m., three subjects entered a jewelry store dressed in all black. They wore masks and were armed with handguns. The subjects ordered everyone to get on the ground. They then began smashing display cases with a hammer. One of the subjects grabbed a female employee by her hair, pulled her up and put a gun to her back. The subject led the employee to a safe. Once in the vault, the subject told the victim to open the safe or he was going to kill her. The subjects grabbed several loose diamonds and then fled from the store. One of the subjects wore a black mask with a “joker smile” while another wore a red and black skull cap and white pants. If you have any information regarding these subjects, please call the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328.

On 8/8/18, at approximately 10:24 a.m., four subjects perpetrated a smash and grab robbery. A male subject wearing a black Nike shirt entered a retail jewelry store and inquired about engagement rings. After the sales associate greeted him the subject said ” oh you don’t need to come out. I am just looking.” The subject then exited the store. Shortly thereafter, three subjects entered the store wearing medical masks and carrying small sledgehammers. They immediately began smashing the showcases.

The first subject was described as a Black male in his late 20’s. He is 5’8″ and weighs 205 lbs. He was last seen wearing a baseball hat, camouflage shorts, a black Nike t-shirt and gray shoes. The three other subjects were also Black males. They each wore black pants with construction vests, medical masks, and baseball hats. If you have any information regarding these subjects please call the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328.

On 7/24/18, at approximately 7:50 p.m., a subject entered the store and asked to see gold chains. The sales associate presented several pieces, including a 24-inch gold chain. After the subject tried on the chain, he asked the sales associate what she thought. When the associate said she liked it, the subject fled from the store with the chain. He entered into a black 4 door sedan. The subject was described as a White male wearing a theatrical quality mask to resemble an elderly male. He was last seen wearing a blue and white plaid shirt and khaki pants. If you have any information regarding this subject, please call the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328.

On 2/25/18, at approximately 12:10 p.m., a male subject entered a jewelry store and requested to see a 2 carat diamond ring. He told the sales associate he was approved for a $20,000 purchase by his insurance company. He also stated he was interested in a 2 carat ring. The sales associate presented the subject with several items. The subject then requested to see two rings under the gem scope for comparison.

The sales associate requested for the assistance of the team leader for the presentation. After the subject viewed the two items for several minutes under the gem scope, he grabbed both items and fled from the store. The subject was described as a 5’6” Black male. He is 200 pounds and has a dark skinned complexion. He was last seen wearing off white colored pants, a white zip up hoodie with patterns and a white hat. If you have any information regarding this subject, please call the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328.