PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Woman Accused in String of Armed Robberies Indicted
A grand jury in Florida has determined that there is enough evidence for the case against Abigail Lee Kemp and her alleged accomplice, Lewis Jones III, to move forward.
Panama City, Fla.-- A grand jury in Florida has determined that there is enough evidence for the case against 24-year-old Abigail Lee Kemp, the woman accused in a string of jewelry store robberies across the Southeast, to move forward.
Kemp and her alleged accomplice, 35-year-old Lewis Jones III, were arraigned Friday in federal court after a grand jury returned an indictment charging them with conspiracy, obstructing commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced.
According to the five-page indictment, between April 2015 and January 2016, Kemp and Jones conspired to commit armed robberies at a series of jewelry stores, including Jared Vault, Zales Outlet and Reeds Jewelers locations.
It also alleges that Kemp and Jones brandished and used a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson during the August robbery of a Reeds Jewelers in Panama City.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against them. The trial in this case is set to take place March 21 at the federal courthouse in Panama City.
If found guilty, the defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison for both the conspiracy and obstructing commerce by robbery counts. For the firearm charge, the punishment ranges from seven years to life, to run consecutive with any penalty on the other counts.
Kemp and Jones were arrested together in Smyrna, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, on Jan. 8, about four months before this “extremely unusual” case first made headlines.
They were charged in connection with the robberies of a total of six jewelry stores across the Southeast, the Reeds Jewelers in Panama City, plus stores in Woodstock, Ga., Dawsonville, Ga., Bluffton, S.C., Mebane, N.C. and Sevierville, Tenn.
According to the charging documents in the case, in each robbery, employees were ordered to the back of the store at gunpoint and forced to lie face down with their hands zip-tied behind their backs. The display cases were then robbed of hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is handling the case.
The Latest
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.