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Business owner arrested for staying open after business license was revoked, warrant says

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 15:12 GMT by WYFF
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Let's fetch the content.South Carolina’s jewelry trade has recently seen a dramatic turn of events as the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (L&L&R) revoked the business license of a well‑known Charleston jeweler, following an arrest that has shocked the local community. The incident centers on the 38‑year‑old owner of “Genuine Gleam,” a boutique that has served the Charleston area for more than a decade. While the official documents indicate that the revocation came after the jeweler’s arrest on charges of fraudulent business practices, the details reveal a complex web of financial mismanagement and regulatory violations that have culminated in a public health and safety scare.

The Arrest and Charges

The jeweler was taken into custody on March 15, 2024, by the South Carolina State Police in an operation coordinated with the U.S. Department of Justice. Police cited the suspect’s involvement in a scheme that allegedly used the jewelry shop as a front for laundering proceeds from an interstate narcotics distribution network. According to the arrest warrant, the suspect had been operating an unlicensed money‑lending operation out of the storefront, offering short‑term loans to individuals who had recently purchased high‑value jewelry items. The loan terms were described as predatory, with interest rates exceeding the legal maximum and requiring the borrower to sign over ownership of the purchased jewelry as collateral. When borrowers failed to repay, the jeweler would seize the pieces, which were later sold through a network of pawn shops and online auction sites.

While the primary charge is fraud, the arrest also included counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a bank. The suspect’s history of prior violations, including a 2017 conviction for tax evasion, contributed to the severity of the present charges. According to the arrest report, the jeweler’s name was not disclosed publicly until the press release from the department, citing ongoing investigations. The state’s attorney’s office confirmed that the case is still pending and that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May.

Revocation of the Business License

On April 2, 2024, the L&L&R issued a formal notice to the jeweler, revoking the license to operate a jewelry business. The notice cited violations of the South Carolina Jewelry Dealer Licensing Act and a failure to maintain a clean financial record, among other infractions. Under the Act, a license can be revoked if the dealer engages in any activity that undermines consumer confidence or poses a risk to public safety. The revocation was effective immediately, meaning the shop’s operations were halted, and its premises were sealed pending a court order.

In the notice, the department highlighted that the jeweler had previously been issued a “cautionary” warning in 2019 after an internal audit revealed discrepancies in the inventory records. The jeweler had failed to respond to the inquiry and was found to have been misreporting sales figures for over a year. The state’s licensing board found that these violations, combined with the recent criminal charges, warranted revocation.

Community and Industry Reactions

The revocation has sparked a wave of concern across the Charleston jewelry community. The South Carolina Jewelers Association (SCJA) released a statement urging the community to support those affected by the closure and to remain vigilant against predatory practices. “The SCJA is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism,” the statement read. “We call on all members to report any suspicious activity.”

Customers of “Genuine Gleam” have expressed mixed emotions. Some have praised the jeweler’s craftsmanship and service, while others feel betrayed by the hidden financial dealings. A local consumer rights group has announced plans to file a class‑action lawsuit against the shop, alleging that the jeweler’s deceptive loan practices caused financial harm to dozens of patrons.

Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook

The case will be heard in Charleston County Circuit Court, where a judge will determine the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of restitution. If the suspect is found guilty, the sentence could include significant prison time and a permanent ban from operating a jewelry business in South Carolina. Even if the criminal case is dismissed, the revocation of the license may still be upheld if the court finds that the jeweler’s conduct violated state law.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is reportedly reviewing the licensing process to strengthen oversight. A spokesperson for the department stated that new audit protocols will be introduced to monitor high‑risk establishments more closely, including quarterly reviews of inventory logs and financial statements.

For the Charleston community, the revocation of the “Genuine Gleam” license serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of regulatory compliance and consumer protection. While the legal proceedings are ongoing, the case highlights the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent predatory business practices in the jewelry sector. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, underscoring the delicate balance between entrepreneurial opportunity and public safety.