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CrimeJan 16, 2019
Colorado Jeweler Accused of Stealing from Customers
Local authorities say Denver-area jeweler David Aaron Kushnir took a total of about $100,000 in jewelry and cash from 11 victims.
Thornton, Colo.—Local authorities have charged Denver-area jeweler David Aaron Kushnir with one count of theft for stealing gold, jewelry and money from his jewelry store’s clients.
According to the Adams County District Attorney’s Office, the 37-year-old Kushnir stole about $100,000 from 11 named victims.
He allegedly took the goods when the customers brought their diamonds, watches and other jewelry in for repair or consignment at his store, D&D Jewelers. He also is accused of selling “fake” diamonds—meaning moissanite he was passing off as diamond—to three victims.
According to Kushnir’s arrest affidavit, one victim took her Rolex to the store for minor repairs. After not being able to retrieve it for seven months, she finally received the watch, but realized something was wrong with it. She confronted Kushnir, who allegedly denied any issues.
The woman then took the watch to another jeweler in the area, who opened it up and told her that the inside movement from Rolex had been replaced with a part from China.
This same woman said she also commissioned D&D Jewelers to make earrings out of 46 grams of gold she brought to them but claims to have received “fake” gold —described in the affidavit as a cheaper metal painted to look like yellow gold—earrings in return.
There are several similar instances alleged in the affidavit.
A phone number listed for D&D Jewelers was not in service Tuesday afternoon. Local media has reported that the business closed last year.
According to one news story, two customers filed police reports against Kushnir in 2018 saying they believed their jewelry had been altered. An Adams County judge granted one of them a default judgment in February 2018 for $13,000 plus court costs.
Kushnir was arrested Jan. 8 at his home in Aurora, Colorado. A hearing is set for Feb. 22 in Adams County.
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