A jeweler in Salem, OR, has been arrested in connection with an alleged scam involving theft of gemstones and jewelry from customers.
Douglas Wayne Gamble, 57, owner of Timeless Jeweler, was taken into custody on Sept 15, according to a press release from the Salem Police Department.
Gamble surrendered to detectives on Friday and was arrested. He was held at the Polk County Jail on five counts of aggravated theft and six counts of first-degree theft.
Ten victims reported the loss of money and property when doing business with Gamble, who contracted with customers to design, repair or consign jewelry pieces, police said.
The crimes are alleged to have begun in late 2022. A “conservative” estimate of the total loss is $250,000, according to the release.
In some cases, customers reported that lab-grown stones were sold as natural diamonds or diamond jewelry settings were swapped with synthetic stones, police said. Other customers reported never receiving purchased items or pieces left with the shop for repair or other services.
The store unexpectedly closed in October without notification to customers or the return of their property, according to police.