Two men from Atlanta have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the armed robbery of a jewelry store in Greenville. Tony Nico Clark, 35, received a nine-year sentence, while Dedrek Jaquon Hale, 30, was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years.
The robbery took place on May 17, 2023. Evidence showed that three men were involved. Clark approached the locked store door and was let in before holding it open for two masked accomplices who entered with handguns. The robbers ordered employees and customers to the floor as they proceeded to break display cases and steal jewelry.
One unidentified masked man used a hammer to break cases while Hale used his handgun for the same purpose. Surveillance footage captured them pointing guns at those present during the heist. Clark remained nearby keeping track of time before they fled in a getaway car back to Atlanta.
Investigators linked Clark and Hale to the crime through DNA and other evidence. Both were arrested in October 2024 and pleaded guilty in March of this year to charges including robbery affecting interstate commerce and using firearms during a violent crime.
United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin handed down sentences of 110 months for Clark and 115 months for Hale, followed by five years of supervised release. They are also required to pay restitution exceeding $140,000 each.
The FBI's Columbia field office led the investigation with support from local law enforcement agencies including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen is prosecuting the case.
