4 charged in $85,000 jewelry heist in Asheville

ASHEVILLE – Four city residents are facing felony charges in connection with a break-in at an Asheville jewelry store where police say $85,000 in jewelry was stolen.

The break-in happened on the night of June 23 at Blue Goldsmiths on Swan Street, Asheville police spokeswoman Christina Hallingse said. Twenty-three rings valued at $85,000 were stolen, she said.

After the break-in, the owner of Blue Goldsmiths began distributing flyers with details of the stolen rings to all local jewelry stores, pawn shops and cash-for-gold dealers, Hallingse said. As a result of the cooperation of Blue Goldsmiths, the assistance of local merchants and the work of Asheville police, 18 of the rings, valued at $51,350, have been recovered, Hallingse said.

Those charged Wednesday were:

Charles Edward Johnson, 50, charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny and obtaining property by false pretense. He was held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $2,500 secured bond.

Jamie Belinda Finley, 53, charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense. She was jailed under a $5,000 secured bond.

Kelman Jamariee Simpson, 20, charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.

Sevon Deshad Porter, 22, charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense and possession of cocaine. He was jailed under a $5,500 secured bond.