Suspected jewel thief's multi-million dollar spree ends after arrest

Sunday, January 10, 2016

FBI arrests 24-year-old woman suspected in jewelry store theft spree

Abigail Kemp is accused of stealing millions in jewels across the south.

COBB COUNTY, GA (KTRK) -- The FBI says it has arrested a 24-year-old Georgia woman who was behind a string of jewelry store robberies in five states.

Abigail Kemp was taken into custody in Cobb County on suspicion of stealing millions of dollars worth of jewelry in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, South and North Carolina.

Investigators say she was arrested with a man who has yet to be identified.

A federal affidavit connects Kemp with at least six robberies since last April.

Authorities say she served as lookout in some cases, yet in another, she's accused of zip-tying the hands of store employees after forcing them into a back room.

In a single robbery alone, investigators say she stole more than $900,000 worth of jewelry and other merchandise.

Kemp was previous arrested on battery charges in 2011.

The FBI says they used her social media accounts to link a getaway vehicle to the robberies.

Kemp is expected to appear before a federal judge in north Georgia on Monday.