Man Convicted in Rolex Robbery
A Los Angeles man accused of robbing two defense attorneys of their expensive Rolex watches was convicted of one of the robberies Tuesday by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.
Jurors acquitted Sherman Newman, 25, of one of the robberies and also acquitted him of charges that he robbed a third man at gunpoint. They convicted him of a single count of armed robbery and two counts of being an ex-convict with a gun in connection with the robbery of Torrance defense attorney John Cheroske.
Police initially believed that Newman was connected to a series of Rolex watch robberies throughout the county, but no additional charges have been filed, Deputy Dist. Atty. Julie Sulman said.
Sulman said Newman’s fingerprints were found in Cheroske’s office after the Sept. 12 robbery, in which Newman gained access to the lawyer’s private office by claiming to be a prospective client.
Inside the office, Newman pulled a gun, gagged Cheroske, and stole his $12,000 gold Rolex watch, a gold necklace, a pinkie ring, a gold money clip and $600 cash, Sulman said.
Cheroske’s watch was recovered in a downtown jewelry store. Police said Newman was wearing Cheroske’s necklace when he was arrested.
Newman faces up to 12 years and eight months in state prison when he is sentenced March 8.
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