Ladell Tharpe, Smash-and-Grab Robbery, California 2022

A brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a Beverly Hills jewelry store in March 2022 left the community reeling, with thieves making off with over $2.6 million in merchandise.

One of the perpetrators, Ladell Tharpe, 39, of Long Beach, California, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for his role in the heist.

According to prosecutors, Tharpe and his accomplices, Deshon Bell, 22, and Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 33, both from Long Beach, used sledgehammers and crowbars to break into the store while employees and customers were present.

The thieves made off with at least 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, all valued at approximately $2,674,600.

Two days after the heist, Tharpe posted images of large amounts of cash on his Instagram account with the text ‘Robbery Gang.’

Tharpe has been in federal custody since March 2023 and was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $2,674,600 in restitution.

Tharpe pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act).

Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally said that brazen criminal action that targets small businesses in Los Angeles County will not be tolerated and that the consequences for such action are severe.

The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated this matter, with Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Kevin B. Reidy prosecuting the case.