Crime

4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

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.

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
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 … 

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.

The Latest

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Shot of one of the pools at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in Carlsbad

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Natural Diamond Council Retailer Accreditation Program seal
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program. 

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Susan Jacques and Al Gilbertson
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

Supreme Court stock image
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The Mellon Blue diamond
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

Dianne Batista Phillips Auctions
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy