Owner of closed store faces charges

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - The owner of a Warwick jewelry store that closed abruptly has been charged for allegedly hanging on to some customers’ valuables.

Police say 57-year-old Daniel Martino, owner of Strand Jewelers, is charged with 21 felony counts of unlawful appropriation in connection with items customers had brought in for repair, or sale on consignment.

Martino turned himself in Tuesday and is being held in connection with unrelated charges.

Capt. Michael Babula tells The Providence Journal that some pieces of jewelry Martino allegedly failed to return to customers is worth between $10,000 and $20,000.

Police started investigating the closure of Strand Jewelers after numerous complaints from customers.