July 12, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Robbery Boast on Instagram Helps Send Beverly Hills Heist Suspect to Prison

Flashy Post, Federal Time: Smash-and-Grab Mastermind Sentenced

Ladell Tharpe, 39, received an 84-month sentence from U.S. District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $2,674,600 in restitution to the victimized business. Tharpe pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery under the federal Hobbs Act.

The Long Beach man was sentenced Monday to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in a violent 2022 smash-and-grab robbery at a Beverly Hills jewelry store, during which more than $2.6 million in merchandise was stolen, and he then flaunted in a post on his Instagram account. 

According to court documents, Tharpe and three accomplices — Deshon Bell, 22, Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 33, and a juvenile — drove three vehicles to the jewelry store on a March afternoon. Armed with sledgehammers and crowbars, the group smashed through glass display cases as employees and customers watched in terror.

The group made off with an array of high-value items, including 20 watches, 19 bracelets, eight rings, four necklaces, and other luxury goods valued at over $2.6 million. One of the getaway cars had been reported stolen four days earlier and was abandoned outside the store following the robbery.

Authorities said Tharpe later took to social media to boast about the heist. Two days after the robbery, he posted images on Instagram showing large stacks of cash alongside the words “Robbery Gang.”

“This brazen criminal action directly targeted a small business in Los Angeles County and will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “The consequences for such action are severe and penalized accordingly.”

“Mr. Tharpe terrified his victims during this violent robbery carried out in broad daylight, then shamelessly boasted about it online,” added Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. Tharpe has remained in federal custody since his arrest in March 2023.

Co-defendants Bell and Vernon also pleaded guilty to federal robbery charges. Bell was sentenced to one year and one day in prison earlier this year and ordered to pay full restitution. Vernon, whose cellphone was recovered at the crime scene after falling from his sweatpants, received an 80-month sentence last month and was similarly ordered to repay $2.6 million.

“The Beverly Hills Police Department is committed to protecting our community and ensuring justice,” said Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. “Crime will not be tolerated in Beverly Hills.”

The FBI and Beverly Hills Police Department jointly investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Kevin B. Reidy prosecuted it.

in News
Related Posts

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

For the Win Burger Chain Expanding to Brentwood: REPORT

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Popular items include the double cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos, as well as loaded fries topped with For The Win...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Jack Kirby Exhibit Opens at Skirball Cultural Center

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The display features original comic illustrations, fine art, and commercial works, many shown publicly for the first time A new...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...