Detroit men steal Rolex watches in Missouri smash-and-grab

Two men from the Detroit area, Kordaryl Cross and Dajuan Marcellus, have admitted to their involvement in a planned smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Ellisville, Missouri. The incident occurred on January 2, when Marcellus purchased a prepaid Visa gift card, which Cross later used to buy sledgehammers. This preparation was part of their scheme to steal high-value Rolex watches from the store. On January 10, the duo, along with at least two accomplices, stole a Dodge Ram truck from Brentwood and drove it to the jewelry store. Marcellus and one accomplice entered the store and smashed the glass display cases with the sledgehammers while Cross kept track of the time outside. After successfully stealing the watches, they abandoned the stolen truck in a parking garage and transported the stolen goods to Illinois. Both men have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Marcellus is scheduled for sentencing on October 29, while Cross will be sentenced on December 9. This case highlights the increasing trend of organized retail theft, where individuals plan and execute elaborate schemes to steal high-value items. The swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspects and the subsequent guilty pleas demonstrate a commitment to addressing such criminal activities effectively.