SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
