A former manufacturing supervisor for a high-end jewelry company has been handed a relatively light sentence after admitting to stealing over $1.7 million worth of precious metals. Benjamin Preacher, from North Attleboro, was given 59 days in prison followed by two years of supervised release, which includes 10 months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service. Judge Angel Kelley passed down the sentence, which also requires Preacher to forfeit a sum of $1,267,093.
Preacher, who is 54, leveraged his oversight role at a Rhode Island facility to smuggle out gold, silver, and platinum over an extensive period stretching back to 2018. His scheme continued unheeded until early 2024. The details, provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, indicate that Preacher transported the stolen metals into Massachusetts, where he then sold them to various businesses.
Preacher pleaded guilty to one count each of interstate transportation of stolen goods and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions in June 2024. The government originally recommended a stiffer penalty of 30 months in prison, but the judge opted for a significantly reduced sentence.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Wlodyka, acting special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, who is the Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, was responsible for prosecuting the case.
