Waco jeweler, accomplice indicted in alleged stolen jewelry scheme

Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Laura Hartog, KXXV (ABC 25) News · July 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A Waco jeweler and an alleged accomplice were arrested this week on federal charges accusing them of buying stolen jewelry from robbers, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas announced Wednesday. Michael Wayne Habern Jr., 53, owner of Waco Jewelers, and Clemond Earl Busby, ...

Why this matters in The Waco

The indictment of a Waco jeweler and his accomplice has significant implications for the local community, particularly in the realm of public safety. The alleged scheme, which involved buying stolen jewelry from robbers, raises concerns about the potential for similar crimes to occur in the area. The fact that the defendants allegedly paid robbers in cash and at a fraction of the jewelry's true value suggests a sophisticated operation that may have been ongoing for some time. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Waco Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, underscores the complexity of the case and the need for coordinated efforts to combat organized crime in the region. As the case moves forward, residents can expect increased scrutiny of local businesses and individuals who may be involved in similar illicit activities, and a renewed focus on preventing and investigating crimes that threaten the safety and security of the Waco community.

About this story

Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News. The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 23, 2026 · Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News · Reading time: 2 min

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This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.

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This story was reported by Laura Hartog at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Laura Hartog, KXXV (ABC 25) News
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 23, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 23, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Waco jeweler, accomplice indicted in alleged stolen jewelry scheme

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