Jeweler Who Stole $300,000 in Client Items Is Headed to Prison

There were more than 170 victims, authorities said.

A judge in Michigan has sentenced jeweler Rick Bud Currie to prison for stealing jewelry and watches from customers.

Judge Michael West of St. Clair County Circuit Court ordered Currie to serve two to 10 years, the Times Herald reports. Currie had admitted to charges of larceny by conversion.

He was accused of disappearing in January with customer jewelry valued at approximately $300,000, according to the Times Herald. He operated Rick Currie Master Goldsmiths in Port Huron and had recently been evicted from his downtown space.

Currie, 62, was arrested in Florida.

Authorities said more than 170 people were victims of the theft and that many of the jewelry pieces can’t be recovered.

Read more at the Times Herald