Headlines

Jewelry Store Known for Controversial Billboard Robbed, and Other Crime News

Published

7 years ago

May 4, 2017

James Ritchie

It was a smash-and-grab theft.

Spicer Greene Jewelers, an Asheville, NC, business that was in the news recently because of a controversial billboard, was robbed.

Two men went in the store and broke open a case and took jewelry while another served as lookout,. All three arrived and fled on dirt bikes.

At least one of the suspects had a gun, police said. Two of the men wore helmets covering their faces.

Police are turning to the public for information to help them track down the suspects.

Spicer Greene Jewelers in March after running a billboard featuring the words “Sometimes, it’s ok to throw rocks at girls…” surrounded by various gemstones. Some found the advertisement offensive, and the store evenually apologized and took it down.

Jeweler’s Prison Sentence Upheld

A jeweler convicted of duping customers out of large sums of money received a long — make that very long — prison sentence. And now appellate judges in New York state have upheld the conviction and sentence of Paul J. Blarr, the Buffalo News reports. In 2015, Blarr was handed a sentence of 23 to 69 years behind bars for “one count of scheming to defraud at least 89 of his customers and to 10 counts of grand larceny,” according to the newspaper. Among his crimes: Passing off fake gems as the genuine articles at his Williamsville, NY, store.

Final Kemp Co-Conspirator Sentenced

Lewis Jones III has been sentenced in Panama City, FL, to 32 years in prison for his role in a jewelry-store robbery spree covering several states, the Times-News of Burlington, NC, reports. He was the last of four people to be sentenced in the case. Kemp admitted to robberies in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Brothers Michael Bernard and Larry Gilmore were each sentenced to 32 years behind bars. The crimes, in which $4 million worth of jewelry was stolen, took place in 2015 and 2016.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”