David Briley, Armed Robbery, Michigan 2014

The final three defendants in the violent armed robbery of Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in West Bloomfield have been sentenced to 33 years in prison.

David Briley, 47, Shaheed Calhoun, 36, and Orlando Johnson, 42, were convicted alongside co-conspirator Nathaniel Pembrook of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by force, interference with interstate commerce by force, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being felons in possession of firearms.

According to court records, the four men traveled from Philadelphia to Michigan in April 2014 to commit armed robberies of jewelry stores, particularly targeting Rolex distributors. The crew initially attempted to steal Rolex watches and other valuables from Medawar Jewelers in Grand Rapids, but the store owners, who are registered concealed pistol owners, shot one of the robbers and all of them fled without any valuables.

About five hours later, three men dressed in identical clothes entered Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry on Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield, held employees and customers at gunpoint, and stole approximately $1.3 million worth of Rolex watches.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kent County Sheriff Department, and West Bloomfield Police Department coordinated their investigative efforts, tracking down video and cell phone information that placed the men from Philadelphia at the robbery locations during the times of the robberies. Investigators also discovered that Pembrook’s blood, containing DNA, was found at the Medawar Jewelers location, and a bullet was removed from his arm that matched the Medawars owner’s firearm.

Court records show that the men had a long history of committing larcenies and armed robberies, with Briley having 17 prior convictions, Calhoun having eight prior convictions, and Johnson having 13 prior convictions. United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade praised the coordination of law enforcement agencies in putting the case together.

“Armed robbery creates an unacceptable risk of harm to the public, and we are pleased that these men will be off the streets for a long time,” McQuade said. Law enforcement agencies are still attempting to identify the final two persons associated with this robbery crew.

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