It is located in Marin County, California.
An Alleged Scheme to Scam Jewelry, From Prison
Four individuals have been charged with fraud in a scam involving luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Audemars Piguet that was carried out from a federal prison.
Miami--Four individuals have been charged with mail and wire fraud in a scam that law enforcement officials say was orchestrated in a federal prison and involved well-known luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Audemars Piguet.
According to the indictment in the case, James Sabatino, 39, and Jorge Duquen, 53, of Davie, Fla. were serving time together at the Federal Detention Center in Miami when the following plot was perpetrated.
Sabatino, a man reported to have as many as five aliases, allegedly posed as an executive with Sony Music Entertainment and Roc Nation, the label founded by rapper Jay Z.
Using fake email addresses and the alias “James Prolima,” he requested jewelry, watches, handbags and clothes from store employees and brand representatives whom he reached from prison via phone and email.
He claimed that the items were going to be used in music videos being shot in Miami and would be returned. According to court papers, Sabatino even signed letters of responsibility for them.
The ruse went on for about nine months, from October 2014 to July 2015, and involved requests made to Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Audemars Piguet, among other brands, for bracelets, watches and eyewear.
According to the indictment, Sabatino instructed the employees and representatives to ship the goods to two women on the outside, 53-year-old Valerie Hunt of Davie and Denise Siksha Lewis, 35, of North Lauderdale, as well as “other co-conspirators who were not incarcerated.”
Once Hunt and Lewis received the merchandise, Sabatino and Duquen directed them to sell it at pawn shops. The pair allegedly then deposited a portion of the proceeds from the sales into Sabatino and Duquen’s commissary accounts at the prison.
If convicted, all four face a maximum of 20 years behind bars on each count.
They also would be forced to forfeit any money they made from the sale of the goods as well as the merchandise itself, including two Audemars Piguet watches and 11 bracelets and watches from Tiffany, according to court papers.
This not the first time Sabatino, a New York native who has spent a fair share of his adult life in prison, has been accused of perpetrating a scheme that involved posing as an entertainment industry executive.
According to the Miami Herald, Sabatino is a “legendary Miami fraud artist” who is serving time for probation violations and running up huge tabs at posh Miami resorts while pretending to be an entertainment mogul.
The Latest
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.