CrimeAug 22, 2023
JSA Shares Safety Tips After Safe BurglariesCrimeAug 30, 2023
Baltimore Man Faces 26 Years for Single-Day Robbery Spree
Keith Poynter Jr. was sentenced earlier this month for a series of armed robberies in 2019.
Keith Poynter Jr., 29, was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for his involvement in a series of armed robberies that took place over the course of a single day in Baltimore in December 2019.
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man convicted in April for his involvement in a series of armed commercial robberies committed in a single day in December 2019 has been sentenced.
On Aug. 17, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Keith Poynter Jr., 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced earlier this month.
His sentencing follows a four-day trial in April in which a federal jury found him guilty of robbery conspiracy; three counts of commercial robbery; conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Related stories will be right here …
On Aug. 17, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Keith Poynter Jr., 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced earlier this month.
His sentencing follows a four-day trial in April in which a federal jury found him guilty of robbery conspiracy; three counts of commercial robbery; conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and evidence presented during his trial, Poynter conspired with others, including 37-year-old Benjamin Bunn Jr. and 27-year-old Tiffany Gardner, to pull off three armed robberies on Dec. 6, 2019, two at jewelry stores and one at a pawn shop.
On that day, Poynter and another man robbed a jewelry store, in the presence of employees, in the 200 block of N. Howard Street.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the other person used a machete to keep the door from locking while Poynter struck a glass countertop with a gun, causing it to fire. He fired two more shots into another glass case and removed jewelry and other merchandise.
Both men fled the scene in a silver Acura TL, occupied and operated by Bunn and Gardner.
Later that same day, Poynter entered a jewelry store in the Security Square Mall in Baltimore County, pulled out a gun and demanded jewelry from an employee. He took the jewelry and again left in the same vehicle with Bunn and Gardner.
Approximately two hours later, Poynter entered a pawn shop in the 6600 block of Reisterstown Road, brandished a firearm, demanded jewelry, and threatened to shoot a customer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Poynter took jewelry and other merchandise, again leaving in Bunn and Gardner’s car.
Gardner pleaded guilty to her role in the robberies and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Bunn also pleaded guilty, before trial began, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 6.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
