A Lawrence man, Rosnel Polanco, has admitted to his role in an armed robbery of a jewelry store that occurred in December 2023. Polanco, aged 26, entered a guilty plea in Boston's federal court on charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton set the sentencing date for August 12, 2025.
The incident took place on December 15, 2023, when Polanco and his alleged accomplices reportedly entered a Lawrence jewelry store while armed. Employees present at the time were robbed of their possessions and forced at gunpoint into the basement where the store's safes were located. It is claimed that approximately $500,000 worth of jewelry and precious metals was taken during the heist.
Following the robbery, Polanco and his co-conspirators fled in a rented Nissan Altima which was later found burned in Maine. The legal charge against Polanco could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment along with supervised release and fines.
The announcement came from several law enforcement officials including United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is handling prosecution duties for this case.
As per standard legal procedure, all remaining defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
