Two Charged in Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store in Chatham Borough

Published on August 01, 2016

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chatham Borough Police Chief Philip J. Crosson, Jr. announce that two men have been charged with various crimes in relation to an armed robbery that occurred on July 28, 2016 at Crescent Jewelers, located at 251 Main Street in Chatham Borough, New Jersey.

Michael Reed, age forty-six (46), of Newark, New Jersey and Raiys Grimes, age thirty-five (35), of West Orange, New Jersey, have both been charged with Robbery, a crime of the first degree; Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, a crime of the second degree; Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the second degree; Theft, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to Commit Theft, a crime of the second degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Criminal Restraint, a crime of the third degree; Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Restraint, a crime of the third degree; and Aggravated Assault (pointing a firearm) a crime of the fourth degree. Reed was also charged with Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, a crime of the second degree.

It is alleged that on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at approximately 10:54 a.m. Reed and Grimes entered Crescent Jewelers and stole jewelry and cash valued in excess of $75,000.00. During the robbery, a handgun was produced and a store employee was physically restrained.

During the course of the subsequent investigation, law enforcement recovered various proceeds from the robbery, as well as the handgun that is alleged to have been used during this crime.

Reed is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $250,000 bail with no 10% option. That bail was reviewed by the Honorable Paul Armstrong on August 8, 2016 and was not changed at that time.

Raiys Grimes remains a fugitive and is currently being sought by law enforcement. Anyone having information related to his whereabouts is encouraged in contact the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-635-8000, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, or Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255. Callers may remain anonymous.

This matter continues to be investigated by the Chatham Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit. No additional information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-635-8000, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, or Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Any inquiries regarding this press release may be directed to Agent Paul Merkler at pmerkler@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-6215.