Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Federal Officer Sentenced in Jewelry Scheme Run from Prison
Miami corrections officer Michael Mazar was sentenced to five years for supplying the cell phones one inmate used in a fraud scheme from behind bars.
Miami--One federal corrections officer has been sentenced to five years in prison for helping an inmate run a $9 million jewelry scheme from behind bars.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke handed the sentence down Wednesday to Michael Mazar, 39, who worked at the Federal Detention Center in Miami.
He also was ordered to pay nearly $9 million in restitution.
According to court documents, Mazar provided cell phones to inmate James Sabatino, who used them to run a multi-million dollar jewelry fraud scheme from inside his cell.
Using the contraband phones, Sabatino created several email addresses and began contacting “luxury store employees and brand representatives” via telephone calls, emails and text messages.
He pretended to be an employee of various entertainment industry companies and asked them to either send watches, jewelry, clothing and handbags to various locations or make them available for pick-up by his co-conspirators so they could be used in music videos, film productions and promotional materials.
He convinced more than six luxury jewelry companies to send jewelry, but rather than being used in any videos, they were sold at pawn shops, jewelry stores and elsewhere.
Court documents state Mazar not only provided the cell phones to run the scheme between February and April 2017, but also used the fraud proceeds to purchase eyeglasses, headphones and fast food for Sabatino, agreed to store money and jewelry at his house and traveled to Atlanta, along with other co-conspirators, on behalf of Sabatino to sell jewelry that had been obtained through the fraud.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for his role in the scheme in March.
Sabatino pleaded guilty in September 2017 in federal court to charges of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), mail/wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.
He is now serving a 20-year sentence.
The Latest
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.