Federal prosecutors and FBI agents believe that they have the fifth and final suspect in custody from a brazen robbery a Mayors Jewelers at the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale last year. The 38-year-old Miami man was placed under arrest based on the testimony of a man already convicted of participating in the robbery, a fingerprint on a bag and possible DNA evidence.
The man is believed to be one of four men who wore masks and gloves and entered Mayors during Sunday business hours. Security footage showed the men using large hammers to break glass display cases inside of Mayors and steal 48 watches mostly consisting of Rolex and Tag Heuer brands that were valued at over $250,000. The suspect has a 2005 conviction for a prior Mayors robbery in Miami Beach that was said to be “strikingly similar.” An FBI spokesperson said that he was released from prison for that robbery a relatively short time before the Fort Lauderdale Mayors robbery. The suspect now faces more than 17 additional years in prison. He entered a not guilty plea in federal court.
Had the subject robbery occurred in a private residence, the suspect might have been charged with armed burglary pursuant to state statute. Under Florida law, an armed burglary can occur when a person unlawfully enters a home, building or motor vehicle while armed. It’s a felony in the first degree, and it’s punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Fort Lauderdale Federal Criminal Lawyer Kenneth Hassett
Kenneth Hassett is a Fort Lauderdale federal criminal lawyer who also has offices in Davie and Miami. His practice is focused exclusively on criminal defense. Your selection of an attorney to represent you in a criminal prosecution can be pivotal in the difference between a lengthy prison term, a not guilty verdict or even dismissal of all charges. If you’ve been arrested or think that you’ll be arrested in the immediate future, contact Kenneth Hassett right away. He’s available to speak with you 24 hours a day seven days a week at no cost.
Don’t give a statement or a confession of any kind. You’re presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Invoke your right to an attorney immediately, and call Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Miami criminal defense lawyer Kenneth Hassett at 954-791-3939. You can even use our online contact form if you haven’t been taken into custody.
