A Louisiana jeweler already facing theft allegations has been arrested again after investigators uncovered additional complaints from customers who claim they never received money from the sale of their valuables. Authorities say the latest charges involve elderly victims and have expanded an ongoing investigation into the business practices of a longtime jewelry appraiser and consultant.
Metairie Jeweler Faces New Criminal Charges
Ira Savoie, 71, was rearrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and booked on new charges that include two counts of theft involving property valued between $5,000 and $24,999, along with one count of exploitation of the infirmed.
Savoie is an independent jewelry appraiser and consultant who owns Savoie Fine Jewelry in Metairie, Louisiana.
The latest arrest comes only weeks after authorities first charged him in April in connection with similar allegations involving several customers.
Investigators say the new charges stem from separate complaints that surfaced during the ongoing investigation.
Earlier Investigation Involved Multiple Customers
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Savoie’s first arrest occurred on April 25 after three customers accused him of acting as a middleman in the sale of valuable items but allegedly failing to provide them with the proceeds.
Authorities said those items included gold coins, jewelry, rings, a 1966 Rolex watch, and a gold pocket watch.
The combined value of the items involved in the earlier case reportedly exceeded $40,000.
Investigators alleged that after the valuables were sold, the customers did not receive the money they were owed.
The allegations prompted a broader investigation into Savoie’s business dealings with clients.
Investigators Believe Jeweler Was Also Scammed
One unusual aspect of the investigation involves what authorities believe happened to some of the money generated from the sales.
According to investigators, they do not believe Savoie personally kept all of the proceeds.
Instead, detectives suspect he may have fallen victim to a scam while attempting to generate additional profits.
Authorities allege that Savoie used some of the money from customer sales to purchase gift cards from an unidentified individual.
Investigators believe that person ultimately deceived Savoie and took the money, contributing to the financial losses at the center of the case.
The identity of the alleged scammer has not been publicly released.
New Complaints Involve Elderly Victims
The newest charges involve two alleged victims, both 74 years old.
According to investigators, one of the victims hired Savoie to clean jewelry.
Instead of returning the items after cleaning, authorities allege that Savoie sold the gold as scrap metal.
In the second case, investigators claim Savoie sold a diamond belonging to a female customer but failed to provide her with the proceeds from the sale.
The exact value of the losses in the new cases has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Because the victims are elderly, prosecutors added an exploitation of the infirmed charge to the case.
Arrest and Release on Bond
Following his rearrest, Savoie was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
Court records show he was later released after posting a $30,000 bond.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional complaints or charges as they continue reviewing evidence.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward.
Legal Proceedings Continue
At this stage, the allegations against Savoie remain accusations.
He has been charged but has not been convicted of any crime.
Prosecutors will now continue building their case while defense attorneys have the opportunity to challenge the allegations in court.
Future hearings are expected as the judicial process moves forward.
The outcome of those proceedings will determine whether the charges can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
