Suspected Diamond Thief Arrested In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department Detectives filed charged with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office-Airport Division Wednesday on Lexis Monee Willis, 23, from Long Beach, for her involvement in a jewelry store theft in Santa Monica.

On Jan. 5 at about 3:53 p.m., SMPD responded to a radio call for service at L’Oliphant Jewelry Store, located at 1621 Montana Avenue, regarding a strong-armed robbery, according to the SMPD press release. A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect entered the store posturing as a customer, picked out two diamond jewelry pieces from the display case, and then ran out of the store with the merchandise valued at over $12,000.

The suspect ran towards the alley and entered the passenger side of a newer model grey 4-door Chrysler; a salesperson chased after the suspect and followed her to the alley, the press release said. The salesperson stood in front of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from fleeing, but the car accelerated forward causing the salesperson to move out of the way to avoid getting hit. The vehicle, driven by a black male in his 30s, fled east on Montana Avenue, according to the press release.

Following a thorough investigation, detectives were able to identify Willis as the suspect that entered the store and stole the merchandise. On Feb. 5, Willis was arrested in Gardena by the Gardena Police Department for her involvement in the theft.

Willis has been charged with grand theft and felony theft from an elder. She remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a bail of $145,000, the press release said.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Cooper at (310) 458-8478; Sergeant Skogh at (310) 458-8992; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.

Photo courtesy of the Santa Monica Police Department