Headlines

Jeweler Sentenced for Identity Theft

Published

7 years ago

March 7, 2017

INSTORE Staff

He’s paid thousands in restitution.

A California jeweler has been sentenced to probation on identity theft charges, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Ramil Abalkhad, who owned Romano’s Jewelers, was accused of obtaining personal financial information from customers who were active duty military members.

The Tribune notes that he had pleaded guilty to felony charges, including identity theft with intent to defraud and conspiracy to commit identity theft.

Under a plea agreement, Abalkhad paid $55,000 in restitution. The money will go to at least 70 victims.

NBC 7 reports that his probation term is three years.

Carlos Omar Torres and Nellie Cha Noland, who had been employees of Abalkhad, have also pleaded guilty in connection with the alleged scam and await sentencing.

NBC 7 reports that several Romano’s Jewelers stores “closed or were in the process of shutting down last year, according to the business’ Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee.” Four stores, all located in the Los Angeles region, reportedly continue to operate.

Read more at the San Diego Union-Tribune

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