Founder of Guns-to-Jewelry Business Being Sued

Jessica Mindich, the founder of Jewelry for a Cause, a business which aims to reduce gun violence by melting down illegal guns and turning them into bracelets and other accessories, is being sued by a New York man who claims Mindich stole his idea, according to published reports.

Mindich partnered with the city of Newark during a recent gun buyback program to acquire some of the weapons, with proceeds going to support additional buybacks. Her effort was touted by prominent city officials, including Police Director Samuel DeMaio and Mayor Cory Booker.

The lawsuit, filed last week by Peter Thum, claims Mindich’s effort became very profitable after the Newtown shootings, leading to a deal with the entertainment network MTV.

Thum also says he started a program of buying assault rifles from governments in Africa, repurposing them as jewelry, then selling it to buy back more weapons. He says he disclosed the details with Mindich in private at a conference.