BREAKING: A Delaware County man has been sentenced to jail time for orchestrating a brazen jewelry heist that stole over $384,000 in valuables from a Collegeville store. Lawrence Jainlett Dass, aged 28, was sentenced to 10 to 23 months in Montgomery County Court after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges, including burglary and theft.
The incident occurred at 4:34 a.m. on February 9, 2024, when Dass and three accomplices executed a “smash and grab” at Sabre’s Fine Jewelry, located in the 400 block of East Main Street. The heist caused significant damage, amounting to $391,986 in total losses, including the value of stolen merchandise and property damage.
Judge Steven T. O’Neill emphasized the serious impact of the crime on the community, stating, “This is violence to the community. There has to be a message that those who commit these crimes are dealt with seriously.” Dass will remain under court supervision for nearly six years, as he is also required to complete four years of probation following his jail term.
In a powerful victim impact statement, the store owner conveyed the deep emotional toll of the burglary, stating, “In less than five minutes, my world was shattered.” This incident has left lasting damage not only to the family-owned business but has also reverberated throughout the local community.
Prosecutors revealed that Dass was the mastermind behind the operation, coordinating the burglary and attempting to sell the stolen jewelry shortly afterward. Assistant District Attorney Christian Garfield Taffe argued for a harsher sentence of 3 to 6 years, highlighting Dass’s role in planning and executing the crime.
His co-conspirators have also faced justice:
– Donte Stanley Solomon, aged 33, received a sentence of 8 to 23 months for his involvement.
– Lawrence L. Harper III, aged 36, who served as the getaway driver, was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in state prison due to his prior criminal record.
– The fourth accomplice, Dartanuall Lomar Cox, aged 34, is still awaiting sentencing.
The investigation began when Collegeville police responded to a commercial burglar alarm, revealing video evidence of the suspects violently entering the store. The trio was seen shattering a window and using hammers to break display cases, quickly stealing as much jewelry as they could.
In a dramatic twist, police pursued their getaway vehicle after witnessing suspects tossing stolen items out of the car during the escape. The high-speed chase ultimately led to the discovery of connections between the suspects and the stolen jewelry, including social media posts about selling the items.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such crimes and the impact they have on small businesses and communities. As the legal proceedings continue, the victims remain resilient, seeking justice for the damage inflicted on their lives and livelihoods.
As Lawrence Jainlett Dass begins his jail term, the community watches closely, hoping this outcome sends a message that crime will not be tolerated. The case highlights the importance of community safety and the devastating effects crime can have on local businesses.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
