Jewel Thief Arrested in Smyrna

By Kristal Dixon

SMYRNA, GA -- One of two suspects accused of robbing multiple jewelry stores across the southeast, including a store in Woodstock, has been arrested.

Abigail Lee Kemp, 24, was taken into custody without incident Friday, Jan. 8 in Smyrna by agents from the FBI’s Atlanta Division, who were assisting their Jacksonville counterparts with the investigation.

Another person who was with Kemp at the time of the arrest has also been taken into custody, said Amanda Warford Videll, FBI Jacksonville Division’s public affairs specialist.

Videll added the person’s identity, as well as details surrounding both arrests, will not be released at this time, however.

The Jacksonville Division earlier this week issued a plea to the public after the latest in a string of armed robberies was reported the morning of Monday, Jan. 4 at a Jared Vault store in Mebane, North Carolina.

See also

• Outlet Mall Armed Robbery Suspects Possibly Tied To Florida Case: FBI
• Outlet Mall Armed Robbery Suspect Remains at Large

Within hours of that formal request, the FBI began to receive numerous credible leads from the public, the agency said.

“We thank our partners in the media who provided invaluable assistance by publicizing our need for information from the public,” said Michelle S. Klimt, special agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “We also thank the many callers who provided us with information to assist in the investigation. You are one of the most valuable resources law enforcement has in fighting crime and we appreciate your efforts.”

Kemp is also believed to have pulled off various robberies similar in nature last year in Sevierville, Tennessee, on Oct. 16; Jared Jewelry in Bluffton, South Carolina on Sept. 2; Reeds Jewelers in Panama City Beach, Florida, on Aug. 11; Zale’s Jewelry in Dawsonville, Georgia, on Aug. 5; and Jared Jewelry in Woodstock on April 29.

A black male suspect in his late 30s or early 40s and approximately 6’ tall and 250 pounds was also seen on surveillance video during the robberies in Panama City, Woodstock and Dawsonville.

The FBI still encourages residents to provide information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.

The case will be handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Return to Patch for updates.

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Image via FBI