Long Beach 'Robbery Gang' Member Admits To $2.7M Smash-And-Grab

LONG BEACH, CA — The third member of a self-professed Long Beach "robbery gang" pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a daytime smash-and-grab robbery of a Beverly Hills jewelry store in which he and his accomplices made off with nearly $2.7 million worth of merchandise before showing off the haul on Instagram.

Ladell Tharpe, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court to one count of interference with commerce by robbery — known as a Hobbs Act crime, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Tharpe and several accomplices in March 2022 robbed the Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills store. Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 33, of Long Beach, used heavy tools to smash a display case and remove merchandise valued at nearly $2.7 million — including 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings and 20 watches, according to prosecutors.

Tharpe led cars used to transport the robbers and the getaway vehicle to the store. He also conducted surveillance and served as a lookout for the robbers, prosecutors said.

Vernon and his accomplices ran out of the store, leaving behind their car — which had been reported stolen from Long Beach four days before the robbery. Vernon's cell phone fell out of his pocket while he smashed the store's window and was later recovered by law enforcement, prosecutors said.

Two days after the robbery, Tharpe posted on Instagram several photos, including large stacks of money and a message praising his "robbery gang," according to prosecutors.

Tharpe is due back in court Jan. 6, when he will face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Vernon, along with getaway driver Deshon Bell, 22, of Long Beach, previously pleaded guilty to one count of a Hobbs Act robbery.

Bell was sentenced in February to one year and one day in federal prison and was ordered to pay $2.67 million in restitution.

Vernon is due back in court for sentencing Dec. 5.

City News Service contributed to this report.