Michael Larbi, 24, of Dover is charged in connection with a string of heists that took place between October 2020 and February 2021, said US Attorney Philip R. Sellinger in a release Friday, Nov. 4.
Federal investigators said the string of robberies began when Larbi walked into a jewelry store in Marlton, New Jersey on Oct. 28, 2020 and ran out with three rings valued at $77,420. Authorities then believe Larbi took the stolen goods to Philadelphia.
Just days later on Nov. 2, 2020, officials said the Dover native returned to New Jersey, yanking a box of diamonds worth $97,829 out of an employee's hands at a Haddon Heights jewelry store and again fleeing to Philly.
The final pair of robberies occurred in early 2021 and both in New Jersey, prosecutors say. Investigators believe Larbi stole $8,500 worth of jewelry in Blackwood on Jan. 11 and another $15,600 in rings from a Clifton store on Feb. 6.
Larbi is charged with transporting stolen goods across state lines, and could face up to 10 years in prison for each count, federal authorities said.
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