Pictured: ” Gold, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond Earclips” 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of LAWRENCE GRAY, 79, for defrauding multiple buyers of jewelry by knowingly consigning seven stolen pieces of jewelry. GRAY is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, and one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. [1]

“The defendant allegedly repeatedly sold stolen jewelry in order to enrich himself,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New York’s status as a global hub for auction houses is diminished when goods are illegally sold. We will continue to ensure that all transactions in the marketplace – regardless of item – are done fairly and in accordance with the law.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, GRAY was involved in the theft of the seven pieces of jewelry, which he then sold through Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers between 2016 and 2018.

 The pieces that GRAY sold include multiple pieces of Buccellati jewelry, including:

•  Gold, silver, and diamond pendant brooch 
• A pair of Silver, Gold, and Diamond Pendant earrings 
• Two Color Gold, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Compact 

The other pieces include: 

• Verdura platinum, diamond, and sapphire brooch 
• A pair of Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire, emerald and diamond earclips
•  Van Cleef & Arpels gold, cabochon ruby and diamond ring 
• 19th century English pocket watch 

GRAY made more than $45,000 through his auction sales. 

Assistant D.A. Bradley Barbour is prosecuting the case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Matthew Bogdanos (Chief of the Antiquities Trafficking Division) and Lisa Delpizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Antiquities Trafficking Analyst Alyssa Thiel is also assisting with the investigation and prosecution. 

D.A. Bragg thanked New York City Detective Joseph Metsopulos. 

Defendant Information 

LAWRENCE GRAY 

Washington, D.C. 

Charged: 

• Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony, one count 
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count 
• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.