Two Men Arrested in $1.7 Million Smash-and-Grab New York Jewelry Heist [Video]

Federal prosecutors have charged two New Jersey men in connection with a bold, broad-daylight robbery that saw $1.7 million in jewelry stolen from a Westchester County store last December.

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Kevin Williams, 26, and Byron Wilson, 24, were arrested Tuesday morning in New Jersey for their alleged roles in the December 16, 2024, robbery at Tarrytown Jewelers in the Westchester Square shopping plaza in Hartsdale, New York.

According to court filings, surveillance footage and GPS data helped investigators track the suspects’ movements on the day of the heist. Prosecutors say the group stole a Jeep earlier that morning in New Jersey. Hours later, Williams and Wilson were seen exiting the vehicle with sledgehammers before shattering the store’s front window and storming inside.

Once inside, they reportedly smashed multiple display cases and stuffed bags with luxury items—diamonds, rings, necklaces, and earrings, including 70 Rolex watches valued at roughly $1 million. At one point, surveillance footage captured a frightened customer being moved out of the way so one of the suspects could access more jewelry.

Authorities said both suspects’ cellphones were tracked in the vicinity of the stolen vehicle prior to the robbery, and GPS data later placed Williams in Manhattan’s Diamond District, where investigators believe some of the stolen goods were sold. Photos uncovered by prosecutors allegedly show the men posing with large stacks of cash in the aftermath.

“Today’s arrests should make clear that if you commit such brazen and dangerous crimes in this district, we will find you and hold you responsible,” said the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in a statement.

Williams and Wilson, both from Irvington, New Jersey, are being held without bail. They are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery and could face additional charges as authorities investigate possible links to similar robberies in Nassau County.

Two additional suspects remain at large.