Customers out thousands as jewelry store folds abruptly
9NEWS.com, CO
FORT COLLINS (AP) – Customers of a jewelry store that abruptly closed in September say the owners have made off with at least $182,000 in wedding and engagement rings and down payments.
Fort Collins police are looking into the closure of Aurifex Fine Jewelry, but so far no charges.
Store co-owner Eric Griffin says more than 300 customers are caught in the middle when he and an as-yet unnamed partner split up. He says the partner made off with the store’s contents.
Customers have been complaining for weeks, and police say they worry there are others out there who don’t know the shop has closed or don’t know where to turn.
Griffins says he is not dishonest, and he wants to make things right. But the shopkeeper says the matter is probably going to end up in civil court for years to come.
