Habitual felon sentenced to at least seven years for robbing Kingoff’s Jewelers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County man is going to prison for robbing a jewelry store in January.

Lendell Riley, 53, pleaded guilty to Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny, Injury to Real Property, and Obtaining Habitual Felon Status.

On January 17, officers with the Wilmington Police department responded to Kingoff’s Jewelers in response to a breaking and entering in progress. Witnesses told officers that they saw a man wearing all black clothing break the front window of the jewelry store and begin stealing jewelry from the cases inside the store.

The eye witnesses used their cell phones to record video of the Riley robbing the store. Officers quickly responded and caught Riley with more than $19,000 worth
of jewelry in his possession.

Riley has prior convictions for Breaking and Entering, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Felony Larceny.

Judge Nobles sentenced Riley to between seven and just over nine years in prison.