NEW JERSEY — Federal authorities have charged six individuals from the Baltimore/Washington area in connection with a violent smash-and-grab robbery spree that targeted jewelry stores and consignment shops across New Jersey and neighboring states in 2024.
According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, the group is tied to 18 break-ins involving stolen high-end merchandise, from designer handbags to expensive jewelry, with stolen goods transported across state lines for resale.
Smash-and-Grab Tactics
The robberies, which stretched from March 2024 through later months, followed a consistent and aggressive pattern. Using sledgehammers to shatter display cases and bolt cutters to sever display wires, the suspects struck in the dead of night. Each hit was carried out with speed and coordination, allowing them to escape within minutes using stolen or rented vehicles.
Some of the most heavily hit towns included Cherry Hill, Roxbury, Haddonfield, Cape May, Livingston, Margate, Millburn, Watchung, Branchville, Tenafly, and Englewood. In one night alone, three shops were hit across multiple locations.
In Cape May, Queen May Jewelry reported losses totaling $300,000, while in Haddonfield, Caroline’s Luxuries was burglarized despite being directly across from the police station.
The Accused
The suspects now facing federal charges are:
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Marco Honesty, 28
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Richard Francis, 35
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Dominique Hayes, 29
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Deandre Dudley, 32
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Ilon Coles-Melson, 21
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Marcus Gallmon, 21
All are residents of Washington, D.C., or Maryland, and have been charged with conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property transported across state lines.
How the Feds Cracked the Case
As the spree escalated, federal, state, and local agencies—including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)—worked to connect the dots. Investigators pieced together clues using:
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DNA evidence left behind at multiple scenes
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Internet posts showcasing stolen goods
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Security camera footage and vehicle tracking
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Retail-specific product information and serial numbers
This combination of forensic evidence and online intelligence helped officials match stolen merchandise to various robberies and ultimately led to the suspects.
A Multi-Agency Effort
The takedown was the result of coordinated efforts between federal prosecutors, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement across several states. “These arrests send a clear message,” said U.S. Attorney Habba. “Organized retail theft will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Call for Public Assistance
Authorities believe additional victims or witnesses may still come forward. Anyone with information about the theft ring or who may have unknowingly purchased stolen goods is urged to contact federal investigators:
📞 Call: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE
🌐 Or reach out to a local Homeland Security field office
As the investigation continues, more charges or arrests may follow. Meanwhile, businesses across the region are urged to remain vigilant and review their security protocols.
This case highlights the growing reach of interstate retail crime rings and the vital role of technology and cross-jurisdiction collaboration in solving them.
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