Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains: Tilak Jewelers in Irving & Saima Jewelers in Frisco, TX Indictment
Dallas TX, Jan. 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Collin County Sheriff’s Workplace executed search and arrest warrants involving two Indian-owned jewellery shops: Saima Jewelers in Frisco and Tilak Jewelers in Irving. A number of media retailers reported that tens of millions of {dollars} in money and gold have been seized from the companies.
Picture Caption: Rated Finest Dallas, Texas & Federal Felony Protection Lawyer – Legal professional John Helms
The operations have been a part of an ongoing investigation into alleged elder fraud, through which about 200 or extra victims have been contacted, initially by e-mail, and instructed that they have been the topic of a legal investigation. The victims have been then instructed that they might solely keep away from arrest in the event that they turned over gold or different gadgets to an individual posing as performing with regulation enforcement. In keeping with Collin County, “couriers” would obtain the gadgets from the victims and would typically carry them to the jewellery shops, the place they have been melted down into jewellery, similar to bracelets, for additional sale or to ship in another country.
Few particulars are recognized concerning the particular proof or expenses towards the jewellery retailer house owners. It’s doable that they have been instantly concerned in planning and/or executing the scheme to defraud the aged victims, however this appears unlikely. It’s extra doubtless that they’re being prosecuted for receiving stolen property or for partaking in organized legal exercise involving stolen property.
In Texas, it isn’t a criminal offense to obtain stolen property except you realize that it’s stolen. Which means that prosecutors should show not solely that the property was stolen, but in addition that the accused knew that the property was stolen.
Nonetheless, there are particular legal guidelines regarding individuals within the enterprise of shopping for or promoting used or secondhand private property that may apply to those jewellery shops. For these kinds of companies, part 31.03(c)(3) of the Texas Penal Code states that there’s a presumption that the individual is aware of an merchandise is stolen if the individual paid $25.00 or extra for it (or property of equal worth) and if the individual knowingly or recklessly failed to take care of information of the transaction, together with details about the vendor, the merchandise, and a signed guarantee from the vendor that the vendor had the correct to own the merchandise.
For a criminal defense lawyer, will probably be crucial to know whether or not the jewellery shops complied with the record-keeping necessities. If they didn’t, this doesn’t mechanically imply they are going to be discovered responsible, but it surely means will probably be an uphill battle to keep away from a conviction.
The Indian-American group as a complete has actually been the goal of detrimental publicity from H1B visa fraud investigations towards particular people and corporations. There was some hypothesis that this investigation into the Indian-owned jewellery shops might have been influenced by the nationwide origin of the individuals accused. Not sufficient is thought at this level concerning the information of the investigation, however this is a matter that’s worthy of consideration.
About: Dallas Protection Lawyer John Helms
John has been a trial lawyer for greater than 20 years. He’s a former federal prosecutor who by no means misplaced a trial or attraction. John has additionally represented a few of the nation’s largest companies, together with Microsoft, Financial institution of America, ACE Money Specific, and Philip Morris.
For session concerning state or federal instances, contact: John Helms
Regulation Workplace of John M. Helms
8100 John W. Carpenter Freeway, Suite #101
Dallas, Texas 75247
Telephone: (214) 666-8010
The media can contact our Dallas Felony Protection Lawyer John Helms for an interview as an issue skilled.
Telephone: (214) 666-8010
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallascriminaldefenseattorney/
Disclaimer:
| This text is offered for informational and academic functions solely and is predicated on publicly out there experiences and preliminary data as of the date of publication. The issues mentioned contain allegations solely, and all people and companies referenced are presumed harmless except and till confirmed responsible in a courtroom of regulation.
Nothing contained herein constitutes authorized recommendation, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Authorized outcomes depend upon particular information and proof, which might not be totally recognized or publicly disclosed at the moment. Readers mustn’t draw conclusions concerning guilt, intent, or legal responsibility based mostly solely on this evaluation. Any authorized commentary displays normal ideas of Texas regulation and isn’t an alternative choice to session with certified authorized counsel concerning a selected case. Opinions expressed are analytical in nature and shouldn’t be interpreted as statements of truth. For authorized recommendation concerning any legal matter, people ought to seek the advice of a licensed legal professional instantly. |
###
