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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
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 & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
