Man pleads guilty in $100K jewelry theft from Jackson store

JACKSON, Tenn. — A man who stole more than $100,000 worth of merchandise from a Jackson business pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Lyle Andrews pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing from Little’s Jewelers on Vann Drive in June 2015.

“You guilty of that offense?” Judge Don Allen said. “Unfortunately, sir,” Andrews said.

The prosecutor said Andrews smashed two glass cases with a hammer, stole merchandise, then pawned the items in Shelby County.

“Is what he said at least substantially correct?” Allen said. “Yes, sir,” Andrews responded.

Allen sentenced Andrews to 22 and a half years in prison with a possibility of parole. Andrews must submit to DNA testing and pay Little’s Jewelers $25,000 in restitution.

“He’ll also be ordered to stay away from the victim’s business in the future,” Allen said.

Andrews’ attorney told the court his client is already serving time for a separate conviction in a different crime. The judge said those sentences will be served consecutively.

“You’re probably looking at serving pretty much the rest of your life in prison if you commit another offense,” Allen said.

Neither the prosecutor or the defense attorney wanted to comment after the hearing.

The prosecutor said investigators recovered some of the stolen jewelry.