Kevin Williams, Sledgehammer Smash-And-Grab Robbery, New York 2024

Two defendants were arrested and charged with the robbery of a jewelry store in Hartsdale, New York, on December 16, 2024. Kevin Williams, 26, and Byron Wilson, 24, both of Irvington, New Jersey, were taken into custody this morning in New Jersey and are expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.

According to the Complaint, Williams and Wilson, along with their co-conspirators, carried out the violent robbery of a jewelry store in broad daylight. Armed with sledgehammers, the defendants smashed their way in and then plundered the store of about $1.7 million in jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches, all while innocent customers and employees hid for their safety.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said, "As alleged, Kevin Williams and Byron Wilson, along with their co-conspirators, carried out the violent robbery of a jewelry store in broad daylight. Armed with sledgehammers, the defendants smashed their way in and then plundered the store of about $1.7 million in jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches, all while innocent customers and employees hid for their safety. Today’s arrests should make clear that if you commit such brazen and dangerous crimes in this District, we will find you and hold you responsible."

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and Newark Field Office, as well as the Nassau County Police Major Case Squad, the Town of Greenburgh Police Department, and the Newark Police Department, all played a role in the investigation and arrests.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Kevin Williams and Byron Wilson are expected to be presented in court this afternoon.

The robbery took place on December 16, 2024, at a jewelry store in the Westchester Square shopping plaza in Hartsdale, New York. The defendants are accused of smashing their way into the store with sledgehammers and stealing approximately $1.7 million in jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches.

After the robbery, the defendants returned to their vehicle with bags of stolen goods and drove back to New Jersey. Once they arrived, they drove to the Diamond District in New York City, where Williams took photographs of himself holding large stacks of cash.