Jeweler who closed store proves elusive

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 10, 2000

PINELLAS PARK -- More customers have filed complaints with the Pinellas Park police alleging that a jeweler who closed without warning took their property with him.

Police said they had tried to get in touch with Juan Ramos, owner of Ramos Jewelry and Repair Inc., but the jeweler had not returned officers' calls. Officers were still looking for Ramos on Monday.

Ramos' store closed abruptly last week after being evicted from ParkSide mall for failure to pay rent. When Ramos left, he took the property of about 800 customers with him.

Last week, Ramos said he intended to contact each customer individually and return jewels that had been left with him for repair and cleaning. But by Monday, more customers were becoming angry, said Pinellas Park police Officer R.W. Cook, who is in charge of the investigation.

Five more people filed reports. That makes six who have complained about Ramos since his shop closed last week.

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