Karl Winchell, a figure in local police investigations into consignment stores, has closed his Winchell Jewelry Designs amid claims that he defrauded patrons, and police have filed five alleged victims’ cases with the county district attorney’s office.
Winchell, who has vacated his place of business, at 1123 Wall St., had allegedly furnished customers with receipts rather than consignment contracts in sales transactions involving such items as rings and bracelets. One complainant won a small claims court case against Winchell in April.