UPDATE: A Delaware County man has been sentenced to jail as the ringleader of a brazen jewelry store heist that resulted in over $384,000 in stolen merchandise. Lawrence Jainlett Dass, aged 28, was sentenced to 10 to 23 months in Montgomery County Court after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges linked to the February 9, 2024 burglary at Sabre’s Fine Jewelry in Collegeville.
The judge, Steven T. O’Neill, condemned the incident as a “smash and grab” that not only shattered the family-run business but also impacted the broader community. “This was a serious crime,” O’Neill stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in such violent acts against small businesses.
The emotional toll on the store owner was palpable during the hearing. She revealed in a victim impact statement, “In less than five minutes, my world was shattered,” detailing the long-term effects of the burglary on her family and business.
Das’s co-conspirators, including Donte Stanley Solomon and Lawrence L. Harper III, have also faced justice, receiving sentences of 8 to 23 months and 2 to 5 years respectively. The fourth suspect, Dartanuall Lomar Cox, is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors outlined Dass’s role as the orchestrator of this elaborate scheme, asserting he was responsible for coordinating the burglary and attempting to pawn the stolen items.
Authorities reported that the burglary occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. when police responded to an alarm at the jewelry store. Surveillance footage captured the suspects smashing windows and stealing merchandise within minutes. A police chase ensued shortly after, with suspects discarding stolen jewelry as they fled.
The total loss, which includes both stolen goods and property damage, was estimated at $391,986. The judge mandated Dass to serve a probation period of four years following his jail term, extending his court supervision to about six years.
In court, Assistant District Attorney Christian Garfield Taffe highlighted the devastating impact of the crime on the victims, noting their resilience in facing their perpetrators repeatedly during legal proceedings. Taffe called for a stern sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the emotional fallout on the store owners.
Dass expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “My actions weigh heavily on me… I’m truly, truly sorry for what I did.” His defense attorney argued for a sentence equivalent to his co-conspirators, but the judge emphasized Dass’s leadership role in the crime.
As the community processes this violent incident, the case underscores the broader implications of such crimes on small businesses and local economies. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as investigations continue into the remaining suspect.
Next Steps: The ongoing legal proceedings against Cox will be closely monitored, and community members are encouraged to support local businesses facing the repercussions of such criminal activities. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
