Chattanooga, TN, August 14, 2025

News Summary

Joshua Lishun Brewer, a 29-year-old man from Chattanooga, has pleaded guilty to the armed robbery of Markman’s Diamonds in Hamilton Place mall. His plea deal sentences him to 57 months in federal prison and three years of supervised probation. The robbery, which occurred just days before Christmas, involved terrifying scenes for employees and customers. Evidence, including Brewer’s thumbprint on a stolen phone, secured his conviction while additional state-level charges loom ahead.

Chattanooga Man Pleads Guilty to Jewelry Store Robbery, Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison

Chattanooga, TN – Joshua Lishun Brewer, a 29-year-old man, pleaded guilty to charges related to the armed robbery of Markman’s Diamonds, a jewelry store located in Hamilton Place mall. Brewer’s plea deal resulted in a sentence of four years and nine months in federal prison, along with three years of supervised probation.

The robbery took place on December 17, 2021, just eight days before Christmas. Brewer, accompanied by two unidentified individuals, entered the jewelry store and demanded that customers get down on the ground. Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene where employees were zip-tied at gunpoint while the robbers stole a wallet, a cell phone, and various pieces of jewelry from the store.

During the robbery, one female employee managed to track her stolen phone using a location app. This led police to recover the cell phone near a TJ Maxx store. Evidence collected from the phone included Brewer’s thumbprint, which linked him directly to the crime. Brewer’s guilty plea addresses the charge of obstructing, delaying, and affecting interstate commerce through robbery, which could have carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

While Brewer awaits further proceedings, he faces an extensive list of over a dozen state-level charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, theft over $10,000, and false imprisonment. A hearing for these charges is scheduled for September 11 before Judge Boyd Patterson.

Markman’s Diamonds is not unfamiliar with burglaries; the store has been targeted multiple times throughout the years. Significant thefts were reported in 1986, 2012, and 2016. These repeated incidents raise concerns about security and safety in the area as the community grapples with the impact of crime on local businesses and the public.

Brewer’s attorney, Logan Davis, has not commented on the plea deal due to the ongoing nature of the case and the additional charges Brewer now faces. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing robbery and violent crime, which have been persistent issues for both law enforcement and the local community.

Background on Markman’s Diamonds

Markman’s Diamonds, located in Chattanooga’s Hamilton Place mall, has a long history and has faced multiple robberies in the past. The store has been a target for thieves due to its valuable inventory, making it crucial for the management to reconsider security measures to prevent future incidents.

Implications of the Robbery

The robbery underscores ongoing concerns about public safety, particularly in shopping areas. As local law enforcement continues to investigate and respond to such crimes, community members remain vigilant and advocate for improved safety measures in their neighborhoods.

Upcoming Proceedings

While Brewer is currently sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison, his situation is complicated by the state-level charges that could add significant time to his sentence. The upcoming court date in September will determine how these charges will proceed, and whether additional penalties will be incurred.

Key Features of the Case

• Defendant: Joshua Lishun Brewer, 29
• Plea Deal: Guilty to federal charges with a sentence of 57 months
• Conditions: Three years of supervised probation
• Incident Date: December 17, 2021
• Jewelry Store: Markman’s Diamonds at Hamilton Place mall
• Robber’s Accomplices: Two unidentified individuals
• Stolen Items: Wallet, cell phone, jewelry
• Evidence: Thumbprint on stolen cell phone
• State Charges: Over a dozen, including aggravated robbery
• Court Date: September 11 for state charges
• Store History: Multiple burglaries in the past

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: Man Reaches 57-Month Prison Sentence Plea Deal
• Google Search: Chattanooga Jewelry Store Robbery
• Local 3 News: Update on Rick Davis in Court
• Wikipedia: Jewelry Store Robbery
• Times Free Press: Man Federally Indicted Over Chattanooga Incident
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Robbery
• News Channel 9: Help Identify Suspects in Jared’s Jewelry Store Robbery
• Google Scholar: Crime in Chattanooga

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.