Six individuals have been charged with conspiring to transport stolen property from burglarized consignment shops across several states, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The accused, Marco Honesty, Richard Francis, Dominique Hayes, Deandre Dudley, Ilon Coles-Melson, and Marcus Gallmon are residents of Washington, D.C., and Maryland. They face charges for conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that crossed state lines.
Court appearances for the defendants were held in Newark federal court before various U.S. Magistrate Judges. Honesty was detained after appearing on June 13, 2025; Hayes was detained following his appearance on May 22, 2025; Coles-Melson was detained after appearing on April 11, 2025; Gallmon was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond after his February 26, 2025 appearance; Dudley was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond following his February 20, 2025 appearance; and Francis was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond after appearing on February 5, 2025.
The defendants are alleged to be part of a burglary ring responsible for at least 18 burglaries between March and November of 2024 in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Using sledgehammers and other tools during nighttime break-ins at consignment shops, they reportedly stole designer handbags and other items which were then transported across state lines.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent Ricky J. Patel for their role in the investigation leading to these charges. She also acknowledged multiple law enforcement agencies from various states for their assistance.
Victims or those with information about the theft group are encouraged to contact authorities via the provided hotline or local field offices.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Lyons is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that all charges are accusations at this stage and the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for each defendant has been named: Adrien Moncur represents Marco Honesty; Timothy Donahue represents Richard Francis; Bruce S. Rosen represents Dominique Hayes; Charles McKenna represents Deandre Dudley; Paul Condon represents Ilon Coles-Melson; Charles Alvarez represents Marcus Gallmon.
