Retired Professor Charged With Stealing Rare Jewelry From Well-Heeled Acquaintances

Retired Professor Charged With Stealing Rare Jewelry From Well-Heeled Acquaintances
Lawrence Gray (C), a retired political science professor, is handcuffed was he appears at his arraignment in Manhattan criminal court in New York on Aug. 15, 2023. Curtis Means/Daily Mail via AP
The Associated Press
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NEW YORK—A retired political science professor who traveled in Washington’s elite social circles pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he stole tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry from his wealthy acquaintances.

Lawrence Gray sold at least seven rare and valuable stolen items, including diamond earrings, a pink sapphire brooch, and a 19th century gold pocket watch, prosecutors said. They allege he earned more than $45,000 consigning the pieces to a Manhattan auction house.