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.

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.
The Latest

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.


While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.