16 Alleged Members of Crime Ring Indicted for Violent Heists Targeting Asian American-Owned Jewelry Stores
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice and various other agencies have unveiled charges against 16 individuals accused of being part of a violent crime ring. This group is allegedly responsible for a string of armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses. The unique aspect of their criminal activity is the targeting of Asian American-owned jewelry stores.
According to the indictment, spanning from January 7, 2022, to January 27, 2023, these defendants planned and executed their crimes across multiple states, including Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The focal point of their activities were jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans.
The suspects are said to have carried out their criminal acts while wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves. Armed with firearms, they often had a fellow member waiting in a vehicle, sometimes a stolen one, to facilitate their quick escape after the heists.
Locations of the crimes included E. Falls Church and Springfield in Virginia, Iselin and Paterson in New Jersey, Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, and Jacksonville in Florida, among others.
Notably, the crew targeted the same store, Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique, in Springfield, Virginia, on two separate occasions, September 20, 2022, and November 27, 2022.
Prosecutors allege that one member of the ring, 28-year-old Will Hunter, conspired with others to carry out carjackings between September 11 and October 22, 2022. Additionally, Hunter is accused of conspiring with others to launder the proceeds from these robberies.
FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy expressed the severity of the situation, stating, “We allege these suspects took part in take-over style armed robberies meant to terrify and overwhelm store owners and employees.”
The defendants, whose ages range from 20 to 45, face a range of charges including conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce, robbery under the Hobbs Act, using firearms in violent crimes, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and engaging in transactions with property derived from unlawful activity.
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg highlighted the seriousness of the crimes, emphasizing the theft of “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry from hardworking families.” The investigation, conducted over 20 months, involved collaboration across state lines and culminated in the indictments.
The suspects are already facing legal action, with some already in custody and others arrested by federal agents in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. During the course of their investigation, agents seized multiple firearms and approximately $300,000 from a safe at one of the residences.
This case illustrates the importance of joint efforts to combat violent crime, as authorities work towards ensuring the safety and security of communities.
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