Crime & Safety

Wood Jewelers Thief Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

Sheldon F. Luther pleaded no contest to a felony larceny charge on Nov. 3.

The man who stole $11,000 worth of jewelry from a Main Street jewelry store was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading no contest to a felony larceny charge in Kent County Superior Court on Nov. 3.

Sheldon F. Luther, 60, of Johnston, was arrested in September after a coordinated effort by East Greenwich police and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Police said Luther walked into Wood Jewlerys and ordered an item to be picked up later. He returned a short time later and while the clerk was distrated, grabbed a display with four diamond rings.

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Police said before stealing the items, he had told the clerk that he was waiting for his driver “Tom Farrell” to bring cash.

A second suspect did not enter the store but sat on a chair just outside.

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Luther was also wanted in connection with an Aug. 27 incident at Claddagh Connection in Seekonk, police said. In that case, he reportedly stole numerous rings when a clerk was distracted.

Luther, of 203 Greenville Ave., was sentenced to 10 years with two to serve by Judge Joseph A. Montalbano after Luther entered his no contest plea, waiving a jury trial.

He will also serve an eight year suspended sentence with probation after he’s released.

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