Gwinnett jewelry business closes after owner accused of stealing from customers - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Gwinnett jewelry business closes after owner accused of stealing from customers - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Customers took their jewelry to Timothy New to sell on their behalf, but police said the Gwinnett County man pocketed the proceeds.
New, 55, the owner of The Bench Jewelers on the Lawrenceville Square, has been accused of shortchanging customers after agreeing to consign their jewelry for a small fee, according to Lawrenceville police. Other victims said New agreed to design custom jewelry but never completed the work and allegedly refused to refund their money.
“At one point, he had a 22-carat tourmaline ring that was from the 1930s that he was supposed to be polishing the stone on for me,” former customer Lisa Day told Channel 2 Action News. “And he 'lost the stone.’”
New was arrested May 30 and faces multiple counts of theft by conversion as well as a single count of theft by taking, police announced Wednesday. He was released last week from the Gwinnett County jail on bond, and his business has been shuttered.
Lawrenceville police Lt. Jake Parker said detectives are still investigating several other complaints related to The Bench Jewelers, and they are asking additional victims to come forward.
“Detectives have served several search warrants, which yielded the recovery of a large amount of jewelry,” he said Wednesday in a news release. “We are seeking help and looking to return the jewelry to the confirmed owners, as well as identify additional victims.”
Former customers who left jewelry with New for consignment or repair are asked to contact Lawrenceville police Detective Dena Pauly. Email details of your situation along with any contracts, receipts and pictures to dpauly@lawrencevillepd.com or call 770-670-5110.
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