Retired professor accused of stealing rare jewelry from wealthy friends.
Retired Professor Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Jewelry from Elite Social Circles
In a stunning turn of events, a retired political science professor, Lawrence Gray, has pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing valuable jewelry from his wealthy acquaintances. Gray, who was well-known in Washington’s elite social circles, allegedly sold at least seven rare and precious items, including diamond earrings, a pink sapphire brooch, and a 19th-century gold pocket watch.
Prosecutors claim that Gray earned over $45,000 by consigning the stolen pieces to a Manhattan auction house. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed his concern, stating, “The defendant allegedly repeatedly sold stolen jewelry in order to enrich himself. New York’s status as a global hub for auction houses is diminished when goods are illegally sold.”
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During his court appearance, the 79-year-old Gray, dressed in a pink shirt and black blazer, pleaded not guilty to charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and a scheme to defraud. He left the courtroom without speaking to reporters, supported by a dark wooden cane. Gray surrendered his passport and was released without bail, with his next court date set for Oct. 31.
This indictment is just the latest in a series of theft allegations against Gray. Previously, he was accused by the sons of his late romantic partner, Jacqueline Quillen, of stealing valuable heirlooms, paintings, and cash from Quillen and her affluent circle of friends, which included diplomats, bankers, and businessmen. In 2021, Gray was arrested in Rhode Island for allegedly stealing a diamond and sapphire brooch worth $32,000 during a wedding in Newport.
The family’s lawsuit against Gray has been settled under undisclosed terms, while the Rhode Island case is still ongoing, with Gray maintaining his plea of not guilty. Manhattan prosecutors have now revealed evidence linking Gray to a series of thefts in New York, Virginia, and other states. They believe that between 2016 and 2019, Gray sold the stolen goods on consignment to Doyle Auction House on the Upper East Side. Efforts are underway to locate some of the missing pieces that were sold.
A spokesperson for Doyle Auction House declined to comment, citing the company’s policy against discussing consignors. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the shocking actions of a retired professor who once moved in influential circles.
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