D.C. Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Armed Robberies Targeting South Asian Jewelers

📍 Washington, D.C. — July 2, 2025
Robert Sheffield, 34, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for his role in a violent multi-state robbery ring that targeted South Asian-owned jewelry stores. The crew, comprising 15 members and allegedly led by rapper Trevor Wright, known as Taliban Glizzy, stole millions in cash and high-purity gold jewelry between January 2022 and August 2023.

🧑‍⚖️ Charges and Conviction
Sheffield, also known as Da Real Lifaa, pleaded guilty to:

• Conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act)
• Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

🔫 Key Robberies

• Baral Jewelers, Harrisburg, PA (Nov. 10, 2022): Sheffield and accomplices stormed the store, subdued staff and customers at gunpoint, and stole $1 million in cash and gold.
• Yasini Jewelers, Falls Church, VA (April 28, 2023): Armed with a Glock 23, Sheffield exchanged gunfire with the store owner during a failed robbery attempt.

📸 Post-Robbery Behavior Following the Harrisburg heist, Sheffield was seen flaunting stolen cash on social media and purchasing a $11,500 Rolex with cash at a Maryland mall.

🚨 Investigation and Arrest Sheffield was arrested on August 30, 2023, and law enforcement recovered the firearm used in the Yasini robbery along with 21 live rounds of ammunition from his residence. He had previously served five years for armed robbery.

🔍 Broader Criminal Network The robbery ring targeted at least 11 jewelry stores across multiple states. Other members have received sentences ranging from 57 to 228 months, with several awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Metropolitan Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andrea Duvall. The coordinated effort has been credited with dismantling a network that inflicted significant financial and emotional harm on South Asian business owners.