CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Authorities have arrested and indicted four men allegedly tied to 43 home burglaries, stealing jewelry and other valuables from mainly Indian and South Asian families in Massachusetts.
Boston—Authorities have arrested four Rhode Island men in connection with a string of 43 burglaries targeting Indian and South Asian families in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
The burglaries took place between July 21, 2018 and March 30, 2024, according to a release from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn Jr.
Jovan Lemon, 29, of Providence, Paul Lemon, 30, of Warwick, Steven Berdugo, 28, of Providence, and Paul Miller, 46, of Woonsocket, are allegedly part of an organized burglary ring with ties to a “violent” Providence-based gang known to law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island.
On April 18, a Middlesex grand jury indicted the men on a total of 95 counts of unarmed burglary and breaking and entering a house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony.
According to the release, the burglaries took place in: Andover, Bellingham, Billerica, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston, and Westwood.
The residents of a majority of the homes were people of Indian or South Asian heritage, said the release, and are believed to have been targeted by the criminals based on the idea that households of these ethnicities were “more likely to contain precious metals, jewelry, and other valuable heirlooms.”
The total reported value of stolen property exceeds $4 million, said authorities.
Many pieces of jewelry, set with diamonds and other gemstones, were stolen, including individual pieces with a value of up to $75,000, as well as gold bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and large quantities of cash.
In several cases, the family’s valuables were in locked safes weighing up to 400 pounds, which were taken by the thieves.
“If any of you have ever had the experience of having your home or apartment broken into, you know how invasive that crime is,” Ryan, the district attorney, said during a press conference held this week.
“If you add to that having knowledge, or at least a suspicion, that your home was targeted not just to gain property, but because of who you are [and] your ethnic heritage, I think that gives you some sense of the trauma inflicted.”
Related stories will be right here …
The burglaries took place between July 21, 2018 and March 30, 2024, according to a release from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn Jr.
Jovan Lemon, 29, of Providence, Paul Lemon, 30, of Warwick, Steven Berdugo, 28, of Providence, and Paul Miller, 46, of Woonsocket, are allegedly part of an organized burglary ring with ties to a “violent” Providence-based gang known to law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island.
On April 18, a Middlesex grand jury indicted the men on a total of 95 counts of unarmed burglary and breaking and entering a house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony.
According to the release, the burglaries took place in: Andover, Bellingham, Billerica, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston, and Westwood.
The residents of a majority of the homes were people of Indian or South Asian heritage, said the release, and are believed to have been targeted by the criminals based on the idea that households of these ethnicities were “more likely to contain precious metals, jewelry, and other valuable heirlooms.”
The total reported value of stolen property exceeds $4 million, said authorities.
Many pieces of jewelry, set with diamonds and other gemstones, were stolen, including individual pieces with a value of up to $75,000, as well as gold bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and large quantities of cash.
In several cases, the family’s valuables were in locked safes weighing up to 400 pounds, which were taken by the thieves.
“If any of you have ever had the experience of having your home or apartment broken into, you know how invasive that crime is,” Ryan, the district attorney, said during a press conference held this week.
“If you add to that having knowledge, or at least a suspicion, that your home was targeted not just to gain property, but because of who you are [and] your ethnic heritage, I think that gives you some sense of the trauma inflicted.”
In the press release, Ryan described the defendants as “very sophisticated.”
“They targeted victims based on their ethnicity and then gathered information about their targets in order to strike when families were not at home. They were disciplined in concealing their identity, avoiding alarms, and minimizing cell phone use before, during, and after the breaks, and using Wi-Fi jammers,” she said.
“Despite these challenges and the complicated nature and breadth of this investigation, law enforcement collaboratively and persistently worked to today begin the process of holding these four defendants accountable.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Cyr, commander of the Massachusetts State Police Division of Homeland Security, said: “The theft crew we arrested today stole countless items of great monetary, emotional, and cultural value from families in multiple states, and did so by violating the sanctity of their homes.
“Such brazen criminal actions will not be tolerated in our communities. This investigation highlights the dedication of our law enforcement partners to work collaboratively to take down complex criminal networks.”
The arrests follow a nine-month investigation by various Massachusetts law enforcement agencies, with assistance from agencies in Rhode Island.
The investigation is open and ongoing.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
