A La Jolla jeweler is accused of stealing the jewelry customers asked him to resell on their behalf.
Karl Winchell, 78, faces 27 felony counts ranging from grand theft to financial elder abuse and fraud.
He used to own Winchell’s Jewelry on Wall Street in La Jolla. The shop is now shuttered. According to Winchell’s criminal attorney, the store closed because rent jumped from $1300 a month to $6,000.
According to a criminal complaint, it appears there are 12 alleged victims. Some of them are elderly.
Winchell is accused of stealing money and personal property in excess of $950 from each.
Some of the alleged victims also sued Winchell to get their property, according to court documents.
Through his civil attorney in some of those lawsuits, Winchell told NBC 7 he did not want to comment on the allegations.
Bryan Garrie said Winchell paid everyone back with interest.
Local
“Everytime he’s been sued he’s taken care of it,” Garrie said.
One client told NBC 7 that Winchell did a great job with her jewelry whether it be fixing it or designing it.
She said she received one piece back from him when he was unable to sell it on her behalf.
We also heard from an alleged victim who said he was pleased to see the story being covered and is hopeful more potential victims may come forward.
If convicted, Winchell could face 12 years, four months in prison.