CrimeFeb 06, 2024
Police Search for 2 Suspects in NJ Armed RobberyCrimeMar 19, 2024
Jewelry Factory Supervisor Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Precious Metals
The man was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum over the course of three years.
A manufacturing supervisor for a luxury jewelry company was arrested last week and charged with money laundering after allegedly stealing gold, silver, and platinum from the company.
Boston—A manufacturing supervisor for an unnamed luxury jewelry company was arrested last week for allegedly stealing precious metals from the company’s factory in Rhode Island.
Benjamin Preacher, 54, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum from the company over a period of more than three years, according to a March 15 release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts.
He was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions and was released on conditions following an appearance in federal court in Boston that same day.
Preacher worked as a full-time employee in a supervisory position at the company’s Rhode Island manufacturing facility since 2018.
Though court documents never name the jewelry company, a LinkedIn profile for a man named Benjamin Preacher of North Attleboro lists him as a lean manufacturing supervisor for Tiffany & Co. in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Tiffany & Co. did not respond when asked if Preacher worked for the company.
Related stories will be right here …
Benjamin Preacher, 54, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum from the company over a period of more than three years, according to a March 15 release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts.
He was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions and was released on conditions following an appearance in federal court in Boston that same day.
Preacher worked as a full-time employee in a supervisory position at the company’s Rhode Island manufacturing facility since 2018.
Though court documents never name the jewelry company, a LinkedIn profile for a man named Benjamin Preacher of North Attleboro lists him as a lean manufacturing supervisor for Tiffany & Co. in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Tiffany & Co. did not respond when asked if Preacher worked for the company.
Court documents allege that Preacher used his position to steal gold, silver, and platinum from the facility and then sold the metals to various businesses in Massachusetts.
From around March 2020 to March 2023, he allegedly sold precious metals to a Canton, Massachusetts-based metals dealer about one to two times per month, as per the release, with sales to that dealer totaling more than $1 million.
Preacher’s sales of stolen metals allegedly included $50,521 in 18-karat gold in March 2020; $21,821 in 18-karat gold, platinum scrap and sterling silver in April 2021; and $30,939 in platinum in January 2022.
It is also alleged that he sold more than $177,000 in stolen precious metals to a separate metals dealer in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, between May 16 and Nov. 16 of last year.
These alleged sales included gold sheets used by Preacher’s employer in a particular machine. He allegedly stole some of the sheets and sold them, along with other gold scrap, for nearly $21,000.
The most recent incident was documented on March 1, according to court papers.
Preacher was allegedly seen on company security cameras stealing a piece of white gold flat stock, measuring approximately an inch in diameter and approximately as thick as a quarter, valued at roughly $2,200.
During a search of his home on March 14, precious metal scraps were found.
The charge of unlawful monetary transactions could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the laundered funds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
