EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
CrimeDec 05, 2017
Utah Jeweler Sentenced in Money Laundering Case
Justin Christopher of now-closed JC’s Custom Jewelry pleaded guilty back in August and was sentenced last week.
Salt Lake City--A Utah jeweler was sentenced in federal court last week after pleading guilty to a charge of money laundering.
Justin Christopher, 28, was the owner of the now-closed JC’s Custom Jewelry in Salt Lake City, where his father, 52-year-old Richard Christopher, also worked.
According to court documents, in April 2014, Justin Christopher signed his name as the purchaser and owner of a 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo at Ararat Auto, despite knowing the money used to buy the car came from selling marijuana. The car actually was sold to Danny Kiko Gallegos for a total cost of $102,155.55. Christopher’s name, however, was put on the car’s title, and Ararat Auto was told that the two men were brothers in order to conduct the transaction.
According to a recent news report from The Salt Lake Tribune, Gallegos had been under investigation for alleged drug trafficking and his financial activities.
Though he had no known source of income, he had large amounts of cash coming in from selling drugs, and opted to lauder money through Christopher “because he is a jeweler and jewelers can substantiate large assets and cash,” according to an affidavit. Gallegos also allegedly had robbed a number of jewelry stores and sold the purchased goods to Christopher.
Justin Christopher pleaded guilty in August to one charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the Lamborghini sale. As a part of the plea bargain, a charge of aiding and abetting money laundering was dropped.
He was sentenced Nov. 30 by U.S. District Judge Dee Benson to time served and placed on supervised release for 36 months. He also has to pay a fine of $2,500.
During the sentencing, Justin Christopher’s attorney said in court that three area men who disappeared more than three years ago--one of whom was Gallegos--were killed by Richard Christopher, the Tribune reported.
Defense attorney Loni De Land said the elder Christopher allegedly shot and killed Gallegos, Braden Parker Emerson and Levi Joseph Collins, who were last seen in October 2014.
According to what De Land said in court, Justin wanted to stop laundering money, but Gallegos insisted that he continue. The two men were arguing in the jewelry store when Richard walked up and fatally shot Gallegos in the head. He then went on to shoot and kill Emerson and Collins, according to the news story.
The bodies of the three
men reportedly were incinerated and then disposed of in a canyon.
Justin Christopher had an immunity agreement as part of the plea deal, protecting him from prosecution in the deaths.
The Tribune also reported that Richard Christopher pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced in October 2015 to more than three years in prison. He is in a halfway house currently, where he is expected to complete his sentence at the end of January.
The Salt Lake City Police Department said no charges had yet been filed in the case of the three men who disappeared and noted that it still is under investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Dec. 6, 2017, to reflect a response from the Salt Lake City Police Department sent post-publication.
Justin Christopher had an immunity agreement as part of the plea deal, protecting him from prosecution in the deaths.
The Tribune also reported that Richard Christopher pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced in October 2015 to more than three years in prison. He is in a halfway house currently, where he is expected to complete his sentence at the end of January.
The Salt Lake City Police Department said no charges had yet been filed in the case of the three men who disappeared and noted that it still is under investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Dec. 6, 2017, to reflect a response from the Salt Lake City Police Department sent post-publication.
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
