Six Individuals Charged in Connection with Smash-and-Grab Robberies of Jewelry Stores

NEWARK, N.J. – Six people have been charged for their roles in smash-and-grab robberies targeting jewelry stores across New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Since early 2025, numerous jewelry stores have been victimized by smash-and-grab robberies in New Jersey and Staten Island, New York, each committed by groups of individuals employing similar tactics. While the victim jewelry stores were open for business, masked and gloved perpetrators used crow bars and/or sledgehammers to smash the glass doors and front windows of the store. Once inside, the perpetrators smashed glass display cases, stealing whatever jewelry was inside.

“As alleged, these defendants committed brazen, day-time robberies of jewelry stores by smashing through glass, creating chaos, instilling fear in employees and customers, and making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry, but in the end, thanks to the work of federal law enforcement and our state and local partners, these defendants now face serious federal charges. These arrests serve as a reminder that if you commit violent crimes in New Jersey, law enforcement will use every tool to find you and make sure that you face justice.” – U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Customers at these jewelry stores found themselves caught in the middle of violent robberies carried out by masked men who showed little regard for anyone who might get hurt,” said FBI Newark, Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Roddy. FBI Newark partnered with state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and track down these subjects so no one else would be put in danger. The work being done to protect the people of New Jersey has been incredible, and this case is just one stellar example.”

Shaquan Jones, 24, of Newark, and Kayron Caldwell, 34, of Newark, were each separately charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for robbing a jewelry store in Paterson, New Jersey on May 14, 2025. Caldwell was indicted on August 5, 2026. He appeared before the Honorable Susan D. Wigenton on August 13, 2026, entered a plea of not guilty, and was ordered detained. Jones was charged by complaint and appeared before the Honorable José R. Almonte, United States Magistrate Judge, on July 29, 2026; he was ordered detained.

Every criminal must be punished and every innocent must get justice.

Contact New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Joel Silberman to schedule a free legal consultation to fight for your right to justice. Call 201-420-1913 today.