Former Detroit Man Admits Role in Jared Jewelry Store Robbery in North Fayette in 2015

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An inmate who is now serving a prison sentence at FCI McKean pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of robbing a Jared Jewelry store in 2015, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Lonnie James Moton, age 28, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on October 23, 2015, Moton and three other men robbed Jared-The Galleria of Jewelry store located at the Pointe in North Fayette. The robbers entered the store and used sledgehammers to smash the glass display cases inside the store. The robbers were able to get away with jewelry and precious stones with an approximate retail value of $680,000. Moton is currently serving a sentence at FCI McKean for two other "smash and grab" robberies he committed in North Carolina and Michigan.

Judge Ambrose scheduled the sentencing for January 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Fayette Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lonnie James Moton.