A retired political science professor, Lawrence Gray, has pleaded guilty to fraud, following shocking accusations that he stole jewelry from affluent friends in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This high-profile case has sent ripples through elite social circles, from Georgetown to the Hamptons, and could even inspire a Hollywood film.
Key Details: Gray, a D.C. resident and former professor at John Cabot University in Rome, has agreed to pay nearly $56,000 in restitution to four individuals, including former U.S. ambassador Frederick Vreeland, who accused him of pilfering multiple pieces of jewelry.
Background: At 80 years old, Gray previously resided in the home of Georgetown socialite Jacqueline Quillen. Following her death in 2020, her son alleged in a lawsuit that Gray stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of art and other valuables, including a diamond ring, a Patek Philippe watch, and diamond earrings.
While Gray maintains he “did not steal their items,” he accepted the plea deal to regain his passport and attend his daughter’s wedding in Italy. He explained to the Washington Post, “The only way I could get the passport back was to accept the plea.”
Gray’s attorney, Christopher Zampogna, indicated that they plan to appeal the decision after the sentencing, expected early next year. Sandra Vreeland Zwollo, the ambassador’s wife, expressed her dismay in an email to the Post, stating, “It’s appalling that a serial thief gets away with so little punishment.”