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Duo arrested in connection with multiple jewelry store robberies

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The FBI has arrested Abigail Lee Kemp, 24, in connection with jewelry store robberies in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina.

According to the FBI, Kemp walked into a Jared Vault location in Mebane, North Carolina, with a gun.

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She forced two employees at gunpoint into a back room and zip-tied their hands before she returned to the merchandise area, removed items from display cases, put them into a shopping bag and left the store in an unknown direction, the FBI said.

She is believed to have pulled off several similar robberies, including:

  • Jared Vault in Sevierville, Tennessee, on Oct. 16
  • Jared Jewelry in Bluffton, South Carolina, on Sept. 2
  • Reeds Jeweler in Panama City Beach, Florida, on Aug. 11
  • Zale's Jewelry in Dawsonville, Georgia, on Aug. 5
  • Jared Jewelry in Woodstock, Georgia, on April 29

Kemp was arrested without incident Friday in Smyrna, Georgia, by FBI agents.

A man who was with Kemp at the time of her arrest, Lewis Jones III, 35, was also arrested. He is believed to be the man seen on surveillance video during Kemp's alleged robberies in Panama City, Woodstock and Dawsonville. He is being held in bank robbery charges.

"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."


About the Authors
Dawn Jorgenson headshot

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.

Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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