Salahudin Shaheed, Khayree Gay, Basil Buie, Kidnapping, Pennsylvania 2015

Grimy Times Exclusive: Three Philly Men Charged with Kidnapping Jewelry Store Employee

[Philadelphia, PA] - In a shocking turn of events, a superseding indictment has been filed against three Philadelphia men, Salahudin Shaheed, 34, Khayree Gay, 31, and Basil Buie, 23, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a jewelry store employee.

According to the indictment, the trio hatched a plan to rob National Watch and Diamond Exchange, located at 101 S. 8th Street in Philadelphia, with the goal of obtaining luxury watches, jewelry, and money. The indictment alleges that Shaheed, the mastermind behind the operation, recruited Gay and Buie to conduct surveillance on the store and its employees from a parking lot at 733 Chestnut Street.

On April 3, 2015, Shaheed identified the employee to target, but postponed the robbery when the victim entered the parking lot accompanied by other persons. The next day, the defendants returned, and upon seeing the employee enter the garage and approach her car, Shaheed and Buie, wearing masks, gloves, and sunglasses, confronted the victim. Shaheed allegedly assaulted her with a Taser, and they kidnapped her.

The investigation into the kidnapping was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanine Linehan. If convicted, each of the defendants faces a maximum possible statutory sentence of life in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $750,000, and a $300 special assessment.

The kidnapping of the jewelry store employee has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of violent crime in our city. As the investigation continues, residents are left wondering how such a brazen crime could occur in broad daylight.

The alleged kidnappers are currently in custody, awaiting trial. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective law enforcement to keep our streets safe.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/two-additional-defendants-charged-kidnapping-jewelry-store-employee