A man who masterminded a series of high-profile jewelry store robberies targeting South Asian-owned businesses has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison.
William Hunter, 28, from Washington, DC, pleaded guilty to orchestrating the thefts, which took place at six stores along the East Coast over a span of 18 months, beginning in January 2022.
Prosecutors said Hunter and other armed suspects used sledgehammers and other tools to break into the stores after carefully planning the heists. Once inside, they stole large amounts of gold and valuable jewelry.
Authorities believe the stolen goods were melted down and sold for cash, and the robbers flaunted their illicit wealth on social media.
Hunter’s sentencing marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to curb organized crime targeting small business owners, especially those within the South Asian community.
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