UPDATE: A Delaware County man has been sentenced to jail for orchestrating a brazen jewelry heist that resulted in the theft of over $380,000 worth of merchandise from a local store. Lawrence Jainlett Dass, 28, was sentenced to 10 to 23 months in Montgomery County Court after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges linked to the daring 4:34 a.m. burglary of Sabre’s Fine Jewelry in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
Judge Steven T. O’Neill condemned the crime as a “smash and grab,” emphasizing its severe impact on the store owners and the surrounding community. “This was a serious crime,” O’Neill stated. “It’s violence to the community. There has to be a message that those who commit these crimes are dealt with seriously.”
The February 9, 2024 incident left the store’s owner devastated, as she described in a victim impact letter, “In less than five minutes, my world was shattered.” The burglary led to a staggering total loss of $391,986, which includes $384,041 in merchandise and $6,945 in damages.
As the ringleader of the operation, Dass was implicated in every step of the conspiracy. Prosecutors revealed he was captured on surveillance video attempting to pawn stolen jewelry shortly after the heist. “He really was in control at every step of their conspiracy to destroy Sabre’s Fine Jewelry,” Assistant District Attorney Christian Garfield Taffe explained.
In addition to the jail term, Dass must complete four years of probation following his release. He is also responsible for paying restitution alongside his three co-conspirators, who have also pleaded guilty to burglary-related charges.
Among those co-conspirators, Donte Stanley Solomon, 33, received a sentence of 8 to 23 months for his involvement, while the getaway driver, Lawrence L. Harper III, 36, was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in state prison due to a prior record. The fourth suspect, Dartanuall Lomar Cox, 34, is still awaiting sentencing.
Authorities reported that the crime unfolded when police responded to a commercial burglar alarm at the jewelry store. Video footage captured the suspects breaking in and quickly filling trash bags with stolen jewelry. “They saw the burglary as the big gig,” Judge O’Neill remarked, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
The incident escalated further as police attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle linked to the suspects shortly after the burglary. The suspects fled, discarding stolen jewelry as they drove away, leading to a police pursuit that ended in West Norriton when they turned off their headlights.
Detectives traced the vehicle back to Harper, who falsely reported it stolen shortly after the burglary. Further investigations revealed cellphone data placing him at the crime scene at the time of the heist.
This case not only highlights the significant financial impact on small businesses but also raises concerns about community safety. Judge O’Neill’s strong sentencing serves as a warning that such crimes will not be tolerated.
As the community absorbs the fallout from this crime, the owners of Sabre’s Fine Jewelry continue to grapple with the emotional and financial repercussions. “The effect can’t be understated,” Taffe remarked, noting the ongoing impact on the victims.
With the investigation ongoing, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice and a message that such brazen acts will face serious consequences.
