Headlines

Jeweler Charged with Scheme Targeting Military Families

Published

7 years ago

October 5, 2017

INSTORE Staff

Authorities filed a 14-count felony complaint.

A California jeweler and his wife face criminal charges for allegedly conspiring to engage in illegal financing and debt collection practices.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the charges against Ramil Abalkhad, owner of Romano’s Jewelers, and Melina Abalkhad, owner of MBNB Financial Inc.

Romano’s Jewelers had several retail locations in California, including stores near Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. The Abalkhads targeted young marines and sailors, encouraging the purchase of jewelry using MBNB Financial for credit, according to a press release from Becerra’s office.

According to the criminal complaint, Abalkhad failed to provide legally required disclosures about monthly payments, interest rates or others terms of financing. Those customers who fell behind on their payments were allegedly harassed by the defendants’ debt collectors.

In addition, the defendants posed as an attorney, threatening servicemembers with court martial and other military disciplinary actions, the press release states.

“Our servicemembers and military families sacrifice immensely for our country – the last thing they should have to worry about is being fleeced by local merchants,” Becerra said. “At the Department of Justice, we will vigorously protect California’s servicemembers and veterans, like all consumers in California. We will continue working with our military partners who provide legal assistance and financial counseling to educate and protect military consumers.”

The California Department of Justice filed a 14-count felony complaint that charges the defendants with conspiracy to violate the Unruh Act, which protects consumers who buy goods or services on credit, and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which protects Californians against unlawful debt collection practices.

Ramil Abalkhad was additionally charged with engaging in a check kiting scheme involving Romano’s Jewelers bank accounts that resulted in a loss of $270,000 to First Bank.

A third defendant, MBNB employee Ramiro Salinas, was also charged with conspiracy to engage in unlawful debt collection.

Ramil and Melina Abalkhad were arrested on Sept. 26, and bail was set at $235,000 and $40,000, respectively. Salinas was arrested on Sept. 29, 2017, and bail was set at $100,000.

Related Topics: crime jewelry stores in California

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Salary Survey: Here’s How Much People Are Making in the Jewelry Business

Don't Miss

Diamond Company Files for US Bankruptcy

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."