PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
OtherSep 01, 2014
Retailer charged with buying stolen jewelry
A Topeka jewelry store owner has been indicted on charges that he knowingly purchased stolen jewelry, melted it and sold it as scrap gold for nearly half a million dollars, the United States Attorney’s Office said.
Topeka, Kan.--A Topeka jewelry store owner has been indicted on charges that he knowingly purchased stolen jewelry, melted it and sold it as scrap gold for nearly half a million dollars, the United States Attorney’s Office said.
According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, 53-year-old John O. Dasher, of Silver Lake, Kan., owned and operated a jewelry store called The Diamond House, located on S.W. Gage Boulevard in Topeka.
While he was proprietor of this establishment, Dasher purchased jewelry he knew was stolen from individuals who were committing home invasions in and around the city of Topeka, the indictment alleges. He bought the pieces for a fraction of what they were actually worth and melted them down to sell as scrap gold.
For nearly four and a half years, between November 2008 and April 2013, Dasher allegedly sent the scrap through the mail to three different precious metal wholesalers, making a total of $430,500.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas said Dasher is the only one being charged in the case at this time but could not comment on whether the investigation is ongoing.
Dasher appeared in federal court in Kansas on Thursday, facing charges of interstate transportation of stolen property (for sending the scrap through the mail) and 32 counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the transportation of stolen goods charge, and a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine on each of the money laundering counts.
As of Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said no attorney had yet entered into the record as representing Dasher. A man who answered the phone at The Diamond House Friday, who identified himself as being “with the bank” and not an employee of the store, said no one was available to comment on the charges.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Other
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
