Charge: Fridley Man 'Yanked' $15K Diamond Ring Off Jewelry Salesperson's Finger

A Fridley man now faces a charge first-degree aggravated robbery in what police say was a strong-arm jewelry store heist on Dec. 30 at Kay Jewelers in Coon Rapids.

At the store, a salesperson showed him a 1.56-carat diamond ring worth $15,599, Matthew Thomas Kennedy "suddenly grabbed the ring, yanked it off of her finger, and ran out the door," according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.

To read the full statement of probable cause from the criminal complaint, click on the PDF thumbnail above.

Kennedy's yank broke the store employee's finger, according to a statement from the Anoka County Attorney's office.

If found guilty, Kennedy could get a sentence of as many as 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $35,000.

Kennedy was arrested Tuesday after authorities released a series of images from store surveillance cameras to enlist the public's help in identifying the suspect. The images, including still photos and a video clip, proved "decisive" in his arrest, according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

The Anoka County Attorney's statement said "several tips were subsequently received that led to the apprehension ... of Kennedy."

At his first court hearing in Anoka County District Court Thursday, Judge Alan F. Pendleton set bail at $75,000 and ordered Kennedy to have no contact, direct or indirect, with Kay Jewelers or the store employee.

Kennedy's next hearing is Feb. 4, 2013.

The statement included this from Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo:

“Greed never lends itself to the best judgment and this alleged foolish act has lead to an employee getting hurt."

More:

• Fridley Man Arrested in Coon Rapids Jewelry Store Heist
• Anoka Sheriff Releases 9 More Photos of Jewelry Store Robbery Suspect
• He Took $10K Diamond Ring from Coon Rapids Jewelry Store: Authorities