A brazen smash and grab theft at the Saks Fifth Avenue department store in Plaza Frontenac has resulted in prison time for two Chicago defendants. Darius Bowdry, 22, and Keyshyala Thomas, 22, were sentenced yesterday for their role in the theft of more than $100,000 in Chanel purses.
According to the plea agreements of various defendants, a large group of individuals entered the Saks Fifth Avenue store on November 26, 2016, and made their way to the Chanel boutique. The group then ripped numerous Chanel handbags from the shelves, making off with the stolen goods in less than five minutes. The thieves departed the store and entered two waiting vehicles, sparking an extended chase.
The chase ultimately ended near Litchfield, Illinois, where one of the vehicles and approximately half of the stolen purses were recovered. The incident has been under investigation by the FBI and the Frontenac Police Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, the Hamel, Illinois Police Department, the Montgomery County, Illinois Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Bowdry and Thomas, both of Chicago, Illinois, appeared before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig to face sentencing for interstate transportation of stolen property. Bowdry received a sentence of 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Thomas received a sentence of 30 months in prison, also followed by 3 years of supervised release.
In addition to their prison sentences, both defendants were ordered to pay Saks Fifth Avenue $159,185 in restitution. The sentences bring a measure of closure to the case, which has been ongoing since the theft occurred in 2016. The investigation and prosecution of the case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to pursuing and punishing those who engage in violent and destructive criminal activity.
The Plaza Frontenac robbery is just one example of the growing trend of smash and grab thefts targeting high-end retailers. These crimes often involve large groups of individuals and can result in significant losses for the affected businesses. The sentencing of Bowdry and Thomas serves as a warning to those who would engage in such activity, and demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement and the courts take these crimes.
The case against Bowdry and Thomas is part of a larger investigation into the activities of a group of individuals suspected of being involved in multiple smash and grab thefts. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges and sentences may be forthcoming. For now, the sentencing of these two defendants brings a measure of justice to the victims of the Plaza Frontenac robbery, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in violent and destructive criminal activity.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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