jacob.jpgJacob “The Jeweler” Arabov lost his bid to have his federal money laundering trial moved from Detroit to New York City yesterday (March 26). According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn denied the request, and suggested that Jacob’s defense prepare for a trial in the Eastern District of Michigan. Jacob was arrested in June of 2006 by federal authorities on charges that he allegedly conspired to launder as much as $270 million dollars in drug profits for the Detroit based Black Mafia Family organization. Arabov’s attorney, Benjamin Brafman, unsuccessfully argued that a trial in Detroit, alongside accused drug dealers, would be costly and prejudicial. The Russian born jeweler, who gained widespread notoriety for the custom jewelry he designed for rappers and other celebrities, pleaded not guilty to the charges in July of 2006.

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