|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Lawrence Gray, a retired professor known for his polished manners and impeccable social connections, finds himself at the center of a stunning accusation: that of being a cunning thief responsible for stealing jewels and art worth at least $1 million from homes across five states, as was reported by the New York Post. Despite his genteel exterior, Gray is alleged to have left a trail of stolen valuables, even at events where he was invited as an esteemed guest, the Post report said. His audacious thefts have raised eyebrows, as well as questions about the double life he seemingly led.
The allegations against Gray came to light in a recent Manhattan court appearance, where the 79-year-old stood as an accused master thief. Draped in a blazer and leaning on a cane, Gray appeared a far cry from the image one might associate with a criminal, according to the Post report. However, prosecutors and previous civil claims tell a different story, portraying him as a clever thief who first targeted his own lover and subsequently extended his pilfering to her affluent circle of friends.
In 2004, Gray met Jacqueline Quillen, a divorced granddaughter of Alfred Lee Loomis, an accomplished physicist and investment banker of the 20th century. The Post report indicated that their relationship spanned a decade, characterized by separate homes but a shared, bustling social life. Quillen, who worked at Christie’s, hosted lavish gatherings at her Washington, D.C. home, with Gray often in attendance. The Post report noted that unbeknownst to her, Gray allegedly helped himself to valuables, sometimes leaving an elegant thank-you note behind.
Gray’s alleged thefts were not limited to Quillen’s possessions. Prosecutors claim he stole at least seven high-end jewelry pieces, selling them through a New York auction house between 2016 and 2018, the Post reported. This endeavor reportedly earned him over $45,000.
One of the most notable incidents involves a valuable brooch that Gray allegedly stole during a wedding reception at the Newport, Rhode Island home of Nannette and George Herrick, a former U.S. diplomat, according to the Post report. The brooch, worth $32,000, was said to have vanished from a drawer after the reception. Years later, in 2021, Nannette Herrick reportedly spotted the brooch on the website of Doyle Auction House in Manhattan, where Gray had consigned it in 2016, the Post report indicated. Gray allegedly received over $19,000 from the sale. Gray is now set to appear in a Providence, Rhode Island courtroom in September.
Gray’s alleged thefts didn’t end with the Newport incident. Authorities claim that he was a regular at Doyle from 2015 to 2020, consigning around 25 jewelry and art items during that period, the Post report said. According to Newport police, there are similar ongoing investigations in other jurisdictions involving Gray as the suspect, further suggesting a pattern of criminal activity.
Despite facing serious criminal charges, Gray has maintained his innocence. As was reported by the Post, his Washington-based attorney, Christopher Zampogna, claims that the allegations are baseless and that the New York District Attorney’s Office has overstepped its jurisdiction. Zampogna also asserts that the indictment is a result of hostilities against Gray from his late partner’s family due to their disapproval of their relationship, according to the Post report. Gray’s case is set to continue in court, with his next appearance scheduled for October 31.
Gray’s alleged spree of thefts drew the ire of Quillen’s son, who filed a lawsuit accusing Gray of stealing valuable items from his mother. The Post also reported that the lawsuit was settled last August, with Gray reportedly making a payment to Quillen’s estate. The alleged thefts extended beyond material items; Gray is also accused of betraying the trust of those who welcomed him into their lives.
As Gray faces the legal consequences of his alleged actions, questions linger about his motivations and the extent of his alleged thievery. The case serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and individuals may harbor unexpected secrets, even those who outwardly project refinement and scholarly pursuits.
