WJA Office Manager Fired, Arrested for Alleged Theft

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.--The Women’s Jewelry Association has fired office manager Kimberly Galvin and issued an alert to members after discovering that she allegedly had been diverting funds meant for the WJA into her personal accounts.

Galvin’s alleged crime came to light when WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack noticed an oddity in some of the organization’s records.

According to the WJA, it is believed that the illegal activity began in March and involved situations in which Galvin had verbal or written access to people’s credit card numbers, such as via membership application or renewal forms, or when she was handed a credit card while working the sign-in desk at New York events.

It is unknown at this time exactly how much money was stolen, as the investigation in the case is ongoing.

The WJA fired Galvin, who had been with the organization for two-and-a-half years, after learning of her alleged crime, and she was arrested by the Poughkeepsie City Police Department on Tuesday.

According to online court records, she is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday in front of Judge Thomas J. O’Neill.

Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney Andrea Long is handling the case. She did not return a call or email seeking comment on Thursday.
As of Thursday afternoon, there was no defense attorney information on file for Galvin.

In a statement shared with National Jeweler, WJA President Brandee Dallow said the organization “has and continues to represent the best of what our industry is about,” and that won’t change due to the actions of one individual.

She also said, “We are working closely with authorities to ensure a swift and complete resolution to this situation. Our organization, comprised of hundreds of dedicated industry professionals who volunteer their time, will only become stronger moving forward.”

The WJA said that while any information entered into the organization’s website is secure, out of an “abundance of caution” it is urging all members or other persons known to participate in national events to check their credit card statements for random charges, regardless of how they paid.

This would include charges that appear to be in the name of WJA that they did not initiate, incorrect charges that appear to be in the names of companies that might be familiar and charges initiated through mobile payment company Square Inc.

It also sent members a link to this document outlining further steps they can take to protect their information.

The WJA said