Jeweler Accused of Stealing $40,000 from Customers

(IDEX Online) - A jeweler in the US has been arrested on suspicion of stealing almost $40,000 from customers who asked him to appraise or sell their valuables.

Ira Savoie, aged 71, is alleged to have stolen items including a Rolex and an antique gold pocket watch.

Savoie, owner of Savoie Fine Jewelry in Metairie, near New Orleans, Louisiana, faces four counts of felony theft between $5,000 and $24,999, two counts of bank fraud and one count of exploitation of the elderly, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say one victim, a 61-year-old man, was told a diamond ring had sold for $10,500 and a 74-year-old woman was told five gold coins had sold for $20,526.

Savoie is described on his LinkedIn profile as an independent certified gemologist appraiser.

He was arrested on 25 April and is being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna, according to sheriff's office records.