CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedCrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss
Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Former jewelry store employee Michel Patrick Desalles is accused of murdering his boss, Omid Gholian, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
New York—A former jewelry store employee who has been on the run for eight years after allegedly choking his boss to death with zip ties has been returned to the United States, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced this week.
Michel Patrick Desalles faces one count of second-degree murder, a class A-1 felony, in the 2017 death of his boss, 51-year-old Omid Gholian.
According to the DA’s office, Desalles worked at a jewelry store in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, identified in multiple media reports as World of Gold N Diamond on the corner of Church and Duane streets.
On the morning of Feb. 14, 2017—Valentine’s Day—Desalles allegedly attacked Gholian, tying two zip ties around his neck.
The DA’s office said later that same day, Desalles bought a ticket to his native Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Madagascar.
He flew out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport that evening.
According to the DA’s office, the day following the murder, police and members of Gholian’s family went to the jewelry store and found him dead in the back with zip ties around his neck, bruising to one of his eyes, and a gash on his head.
Related stories will be right here …
Michel Patrick Desalles faces one count of second-degree murder, a class A-1 felony, in the 2017 death of his boss, 51-year-old Omid Gholian.
According to the DA’s office, Desalles worked at a jewelry store in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, identified in multiple media reports as World of Gold N Diamond on the corner of Church and Duane streets.
On the morning of Feb. 14, 2017—Valentine’s Day—Desalles allegedly attacked Gholian, tying two zip ties around his neck.
The DA’s office said later that same day, Desalles bought a ticket to his native Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Madagascar.
He flew out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport that evening.
According to the DA’s office, the day following the murder, police and members of Gholian’s family went to the jewelry store and found him dead in the back with zip ties around his neck, bruising to one of his eyes, and a gash on his head.
The statement from the DA’s office did not give any insight into a potential motive in the case.
According to New York Supreme Criminal Court records, a grand jury indicted Desalles for Gholian’s murder in March 2019.
An arrest warrant was issued at that time and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said prosecutors have been “doggedly” seeking Desalles’ return for years.
On Friday, he was extradited to the U.S. from Mauritius and arraigned.
Court records show he has pleaded not guilty in the case and is being held without bail.
No attorney was listed for Desalles as of press time. The next hearing the case is set for Aug. 11.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the DA’s office worked with the Mauritius attorney general and the country’s police force to secure the arrest and extradition of Desalles.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
