Man Sentenced to More Than 27 Years for Robbing Fayetteville Jewelry Store

FAYETTEVILLE, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jason Stallcup, age 42, of Michigan, was sentenced today for the armed robbery of the Romance Diamond Company on Dickson Street in Fayetteville. Stallcup was sentenced to a total of 327 months’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $173,066.53. The term of imprisonment imposed in this case is in addition to a 15-year sentence that Stallcup is currently serving on unrelated charges. United States District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “The violent manner in which this defendant terrorized these three innocent victims is totally unconscionable. Thanks to the dedicated work of local law enforcement and Michigan authorities, this offender was apprehended and brought back to be held accountable for this outrageous crime. Our office will continue to remain focused on prosecuting individuals who engage in this type of violent criminal activity so that the residents of the Western District of Arkansas can live in a community free of fear.”

According to documents filed in the case, on December 5, 2008, Jason Stallcup, posing as a Christmas shopper, entered the Romance Diamond Company just after the store opened. After approximately 10 minutes, Stallcup pulled out a black .22 caliber firearm from his shopping bag and demanded diamonds and jewelry. In response, the two female employees filled his shopping bag with a large amount of jewelry, including diamonds, bracelets, earrings, and watches. Before fleeing the premises, Stallcup used zip ties to restrain the hands and feet of the two female employees and a male customer who had entered the business while the robbery was taking place. In total, Stallcup stole approximately $300,000 worth of merchandise. Stallcup was later arrested by Michigan authorities. At the time of his arrest, Michigan law enforcement located a black .22 caliber firearm in Stallcup’s vehicle, along with zip ties matching those used during the robbery. On October 7, 2013, Stallcup pleaded guilty in federal court to robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. At sentencing, the government presented the court with evidence that the defendant repeatedly pointed the firearm at both female employees and the customer during the course of the robbery.

This case was investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Roberts and Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.