Headlines

Association Employee Fired, Arrested for Alleged Theft

The group believes she misused credit card information.

Published

7 years ago

November 7, 2016

INSTORE Staff

The Women’s Jewelry Association has informed its members that it believes a former office manager misused credit card information that was provided to the organization.

The former officer manager, Kimberly Galvin, was fired on Oct. 20 and has been arrested, according to WJA.

The Poughkeepsie, NY-based organization said it believes Galvin misused credit card information provided to WJA:

On written forms such as our membership application and renewal form and pledge forms for donations to the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation Inc.
By telephone to Galvin.
By handing a credit card, or providing credit card information, directly to Galvin at New York events where she was at the sign-in desk.

WJA President Brandee Dallow and Executive Director Bernadette Mack wrote in a letter:

We believe that in a number of instances, Ms. Galvin charged credit cards for payments that the credit card owners intended to be made to the WJA (or, in the case of donations, to the Foundation) and diverted the funds so they were not received by the WJA. We also believe that Ms. Galvin may have charged credit cards for payments that falsely appear on credit card statements to be in the purported name of other companies, including names of companies that may be familiar to you, that were not intended charges by the credit card owner.

They state that they believe Galvin may have started the activity in or around March 2016. They believe the issue does not affect people who entered their credit card information through the WJA web site.

Mack told INSTORE by email on Friday that Galvin was arrested by Poughkeepsie police in connection with the alleged illegal activity.

The organization recommends that members and others who participated in national WJA events check their credit cards for charges they did not initiate, including:

Charges that appear to be in the name of the WJA.
Incorrect charges that appear to be in the names of companies that may be familiar.
Charges that were generated through Square Inc.

Dallow and Mack wrote: “We are implementing additional measures designed to prevent a recurrence of such an incident, and to protect the privacy of WJA’s valued members and participants. WJA is also working closely with law enforcement and major credit card suppliers to ensure the incident is properly addressed.”

WJA is a business networking organization for women in the jewelry and watch industries.

Related Topics: crime Women's Jewelry Association

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Are You Still Using Paper Checks in Your Business?

Don't Miss

Jeweler Sells His Store to Diamonds Direct … Here’s Why

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”