Fridley man charged for Coon Rapids jewelry store robbery
Matthew Thomas Kennedy, 23, of Fridley was taken into police custody Jan. 8 and was charged Jan. 10. (Booking photo courtesy of Anoka County Sheriff’s Office)
Matthew Thomas Kennedy, 23, of Fridley, was charged Jan. 10 with first-degree aggravated robbery for allegedly stealing a diamond ring, valued at more than $15,000, from Kay Jewelers in Coon Rapids on Dec. 30, 2012.
The charge carries a punishment of 0-20 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,500 to $35,000.
The complaint alleges that Kennedy pulled the diamond ring off the finger of a female store employee, who was displaying the ring to Kennedy. The store employee suffered a broken finger as a result.
Surveillance photo of the possible suspect in the Kay Jewelers robbery in Coon Rapids Dec. 30 taken the day before, Dec. 29, at an Anoka jewelry store.
Law enforcement obtained several surveillance video clips and still photographs of the suspect. The images were relayed to local media, and several tips were subsequently received that led to the apprehension, of Kennedy.
The suspect has had multiple arrests for theft-related crimes, said Cdr. Paul Sommer, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Police also recovered clothing that is consistent with the unique clothes worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage, Sommer alleged in a press release.
Kennedy made his first appearance in Anoka County District Court Jan. 10 and bail was set at $75,000 by the Hon. Alan F. Pendleton. Kennedy also was ordered to have no contact, direct or indirect, with Kay Jewelers or the store employee. Kennedy’s next hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2013.
“Greed never lends itself to the best judgment and this alleged foolish act has lead to an employee getting hurt,” said Tony Palumbo, Anoka County Attorney.
Contact Sarah Peterson at sarah.peterson@ecm-inc.com
