DA plans to prosecute smash and grab robberies

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is sending a strong message to deter further smash and grab robberies by building a significant case with multiple felonies and enhancements against a group of individuals who have committed a series of these crimes.

On January 4, 2022, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges with special allegations against five defendants involved in a string of jewelry store smash and grabs in San Bernardino County.

Jahaad Crawford (30), Dalon Laflora (29), Gerald Francis Kay (30), and Jonathan Ivory Williamson (36) were arrested on December 30, 2021, for a smash and grab at an Upland jewelry store. Subsequently, our Office has charged them with PC211 – Second Degree Robbery.

During the investigation it was determined that Laflora and Kay along with Alek Emling (29) were also allegedly involved in a Chino Hills jewelry store robbery which occurred on November 27, 2021. For this specific incident all three defendants have been charged with PC211 – Second Degree Robbery.

Our Office has filed an allegation that the defendants are known gang members or associates of Los Angeles County criminal street gangs. We are alleging that the robbery was committed with the specific intent to promote, further and assist in criminal conduct by gang members.

Additionally, defendants LaFlora, Kay and Williamson all hold prior felony convictions in both San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. Our office has filed enhancements by using special allegations for prior felony convictions under Penal Code 1170.12(a) – (d) and 667(b).

If convicted of PC211 – Second Degree Robbery and special allegations are found true, the defendants could be sentenced for the maximum amount of time and potentially receive an additional strike on their record.

When a prosecutor wants to send a message to perpetrators that are involved in a string of crimes that are occurring is to send a message by making an example of some defendants – the worst offenders in order to deter other and it might work, Said Dr. Adrian Moore VP of the Reason Foundation.  “I remember years ago there was an outbreak of violent carjacking throughout Southern California and the plea- bargains on carjacking’s were done away with and maximum penalties pursued and guess, what the carjacking’s didn’t completely stop but they did decrease.”