Six people have been charged for their alleged roles in “smash-and-grab” robberies targeting jewelry stores across New Jersey in 2025 and 2026, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

According to prosecutors, masked and gloved perpetrators used crow bars and/or sledgehammers to smash the glass doors and front windows of the stores. Once inside, they smashed glass display cases, stealing the jewelry inside.

“Customers at these jewelry stores found themselves caught in the middle of violent robberies carried out by masked men who showed little regard for anyone who might get hurt,” said FBI Newark, Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Roddy.

The charges relate to robberies of stores in May 2025 in Paterson, March 2026 in Union City and June 2026 in Wayne.

Those charged include Shaquan Jones and Kayron Caldwell, both of Newark, for the Paterson robbery; Wyzier Peterson, Corey Boyd and Terrance Drakeford, all of Paterson, for the Wayne robbery; and Derreck Proctor, of Newark, the Union City robbery.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

According to documents filed in this case, prosecutors used blood evidence from cuts on broken glass, along with video footage and internet activity to help identify some of the suspects.

Each defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

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