In a shocking turn of events, a retired political science professor has been charged with stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from his wealthy acquaintances in Washington's elite social circles. Lawrence Gray, a former tenured professor at John Cabot University in Rome and the longtime partner of the late Washington socialite Jacqueline Quillen, pleaded not guilty to charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and a scheme to defraud at a Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege that Gray sold at least seven rare and valuable stolen items, including diamond earrings, a pink sapphire brooch, and a 19th century gold pocket watch, earning over $45,000 by consigning them to a Manhattan auction house. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed his concern over the illegal sale of goods in New York, stating, "New York's status as a global hub for auction houses is diminished when goods are illegally sold."

Gray, 79, appeared in court wearing a pink shirt and black blazer, leaning gingerly on a dark wooden cane. He declined to speak to reporters as he left the courtroom but was released without bail after agreeing to surrender his passport. Gray is scheduled to appear in court again on October 31.

This indictment is just the latest in a series of theft allegations against Gray. After Jacqueline Quillen's death in 2021, her sons filed a lawsuit against Gray, accusing him of stealing valuable heirlooms, paintings, and cash from Quillen and her wealthy friends, which included American diplomats, bankers, and businessmen. The lawsuit was settled for undisclosed terms. Gray was also previously arrested in Rhode Island in the same year for stealing a diamond and sapphire brooch valued at $32,000 during a wedding in Newport. The case is still ongoing, with Gray pleading not guilty.

Manhattan prosecutors revealed that they have evidence linking Gray to a string of thefts in New York, Virginia, and other states. They stated that between 2016 and 2019, Gray sold the stolen goods on consignment to Doyle Auction House on the Upper East Side. However, they are still working to locate some of the pieces that were sold. A spokesperson for Doyle Auction House declined to comment on the matter.

According to the lawsuit filed by Jacqueline Quillen's sons, she had suspected Gray of stealing from her and her friends. Quillen, a wine specialist at Christie's and the heiress to a Wall Street fortune, kept detailed notes on the missing items and eventually ended her relationship with Gray months before her death.

Lawrence Gray's alleged involvement in these thefts has raised concerns about the security of wealthy social circles and the integrity of the auction house industry. As the case unfolds, investigators will continue to search for any missing pieces and gather evidence against Gray. The next hearing in the Manhattan case is scheduled for October 31.