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
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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 & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
