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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
 |  Posted: 1/24/2013 8:46:52 AM
My house got robbed last week. All jewelry gone. Yesterday the police called me--they think they found my jewelry at a pawn shop. I met policeman there, and found out YES! it was my stuff 
Then the pawn shop owner told me he'd sell it to me for $450.   Because that's supposedly what he gave the robber.
I am so pissed off at the way pawn shops get away with this type of shit. He knows the jewelry is mine but said since he reported everything to the police and "technically followed the letter of the law" he does not have to return it for free. I cried and cried and even offered him $150 and he refused. I said I hadn't done anything wrong, then he said he didn't either. 
Later he said in front of the policedhe'd take $300 for it. The policeman said I can get a writ of replevin from the court to force the shop to return it to me as it is stolen property. I know I will eventually get my jewelry, but it's not going to be any time soon.
It disturbs me that a pawn shop dealer who knows property is stolen still will not return it without charge. How is this ethical in any universe? Why does the law protect thieves and dirty pawn shop owners instead of victims? The policeman said he sees this happens ALL THE TIME. It's actually a judgment call; the owner could have returned it no charge but chose not to.  The money was more important than doing the right thing.
Thanks for letting me vent!
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the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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megmc
AncestralPea
PeaNut 497,090
January 2011
Posts: 4,894
Layouts: 0
 |  Posted: 1/24/2013 8:50:45 AM
I would think that he could be arrested for receiving stolen goods. | |
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theshyone
I'm Alive!
PeaNut 266,636
June 2006
Posts: 10,133
Layouts: 37
Loc: Alberta
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 8:50:45 AM
It's stolen property. The cops recover it as evidence. Then later return to you.
Or do you live someplace weird? |
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hobbygirl82
PeaAddict
PeaNut 450,860
January 2010
Posts: 1,017
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 8:53:40 AM
That really stinks. I hope you get your jewelry back without having to go through all that trouble since you were the victim. | |
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**Angie**
Pea Who Should Be Cleaning!
PeaNut 145,006
May 2004
Posts: 10,836
Layouts: 91
Loc: at home in front of the computer
| Posted: 1/24/2013 8:57:53 AM
It's stolen property. The cops recover it as evidence. Then later return to you.
Same here. The cops were allowing him to keep it? |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
| Posted: 1/24/2013 8:57:56 AM
Pawn shop bastard can't be arrested for receiving stolen property because the robber signed a statement swearing the jewelry wasn't stolen & gave a fingerprint.
He can never sell my jewelry to anyone else EVER because it is police evidence now. And he knows eventually he will have to return it at no charge. IMHO he should just give it to me now because he won't make any money at all on the transaction. He just wants me to break down and give him the money because he wants me to be afraid I won't get my stuff.
Honestly, I don't know how they can live their lives making $ off of peoples' misfortune and not have one whit of guilt. |
the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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JnJsMom16
BucketHead
PeaNut 397,853
November 2008
Posts: 534
Layouts: 0
Loc: Skagit Valley, WA
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 9:01:35 AM
maybe try the local media. shed some light on this subject for you and all others. I am floored that they get to decided what to do with stolen property. I would think the police would take it for evidence and all of the robbers info that was given to the pawn shop. if police found the stuff at a private home wouldn't they take it or leave it up to the homeowner to decide if they want to give it back?? I would be mad too |
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Shih Tzu Mommy
Million dollar camera, 10 dollar lock!
PeaNut 224,352
September 2005
Posts: 23,525
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right here
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 9:02:22 AM
OH HELL NO! You must be kidding!
I would ask the police how it is that he is not charged with recieving stolen property? That is just horrendous! And would the DA not want the jewelry so that it is evidence?
I would be so hot, I honestly do not know what I would do in your situation! |
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Gail OH
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 108,385
September 2003
Posts: 6,043
Layouts: 0
Loc: Ohio
| Posted: 1/24/2013 9:04:46 AM
Another for you calling TV stations |
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LolaLayout
PeaAddict
PeaNut 544,018
February 2012
Posts: 1,295
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 9:11:40 AM
I am so sorry you were robbed, and then practically robbed a second time by some asshat pawn shop owner.
The cops took your jewelry for evidence, so you will get it back.
I would be very tempted to contact the newspaper and write an article about the pawn shop owner's choices in the matter. |
*Stop the glorification of busy* | |
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Gagemom
To new beginnings....
PeaNut 5,730
August 2000
Posts: 8,157
Layouts: 8
Loc: Arizona
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 9:18:35 AM
I would be very tempted to contact the newspaper and write an article about the pawn shop owner's choices in the matter.
I agree with this!! I would contact media and I would be blasting him on any review sites that I could. His ethics suck. He may be able to do it, but it doesn't make it right. Karma is a beautiful thing and I hope it nips him in the rear! Sorry that you got robbed, that is such an awful feeling when someone comes into your space uninvited |
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Chihuahuax3
PeaAddict
PeaNut 431,254
July 2009
Posts: 1,182
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 9:20:10 AM
OMG! That's crazy. | |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
|  Posted: 1/24/2013 9:21:34 AM
The police didn't take the jewelry. He left it at the pawn shop with instructions to them to put it aside because he will be arrested if he does not return my property.
That's another thing that pisses me off. Putting a fox in charge of the henhouse is what I call that. Plain and simple.  |
the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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LeoGirl76
Children Want Your Presence, Not Your Presents
PeaNut 72,408
February 2003
Posts: 11,437
Layouts: 0
Loc: America's Finest City
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 9:46:00 AM
What state do you live in? That doesn't seem right! I don't think it would be that way where I live. We have all kinds of laws..... |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
|  Posted: 1/24/2013 10:29:43 AM
I live in Florida |
the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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fishwitch
PeaNut
PeaNut 577,311
January 2013
Posts: 178
Layouts: 0
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 1/24/2013 10:33:36 AM
How awful! I hope you get it back soon |
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pea brain
What what?
PeaNut 121,521
December 2003
Posts: 6,615
Layouts: 1
Loc: VA....still
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 10:43:51 AM
All I can say is OMG |
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MerryMom937
PeaFixture
PeaNut 472,567
June 2010
Posts: 3,078
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 10:49:05 AM
What the Pawn Shop owner did was legal, he followed the law.
I would ask him how much money (I would ask to see the documentation of that) he gave the "thief" for the jewelry and offer him less than that to pay him that amount so that he is not out too much any money.
He can't sell it to anyone else, so he wants some money back as well.
You have more power here than he is leading you to believe.
I would negotiate a rock bottom price, so unfortunately, you will have to pony up some money in order to get your jewelry.
Or follow what is in your OP.
"The policeman said I can get a writ of replevin from the court to force the shop to return it to me as it is stolen property. I know I will eventually get my jewelry, but it's not going to be any time soon."
My sister had to do something similar in our state and it took about 6 weeks for her to get the order and she picked up her jewelry for free.
However, there is a filing fee to file this, so it depends on how much the filing fee will cost you versus what you can negotiate with the pawn shop owner.
I would check your court's website and look up "writ of replevin" to see what the filing costs would be. That is what I would offer the pawn shop owner.
Remember, he can't sell the jewelry now, so he can only recoup monies from you, so keep that in mind. | |
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BudgetMama
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 138,670
March 2004
Posts: 2,156
Layouts: 2
Loc: Oregon
| Posted: 1/24/2013 10:58:49 AM
how strange! about 10 years ago we were robbed and a cop called because the item stolen (our camera?) had an ID number on it and it was found at a pawn shop. dh got it back as soon as he met the cop at the pawn shop. I don't see how a person is allowed to keep stolen property. | |
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cdnstorelady
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 218,176
August 2005
Posts: 6,082
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:13:11 AM
I'm completely confused.... if he's not allowed to sell the jewellry EVER... then how can he sell it to you? And why don't the police want custody of the evidence. What if the pawn shop gets "broken into" and your stuff got "stolen". Then the cops wouldn't have any evidence.....
This doesn't make sense to me at all. | |
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peapermint
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 9,321
January 2001
Posts: 8,594
Layouts: 0
Loc: all up in your business
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:19:42 AM
maybe try the local media. shed some light on this subject for you and all others.
Our local paper has done stories on pawn shop law and ethics. Most (or many) pawn shops are reputable and don't pull this type of crap.
ETA: robbed or burgled? | |
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Susie_Homemaker
AncestralPea
PeaNut 337,804
September 2007
Posts: 4,017
Layouts: 1
Loc: In the Know
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 11:21:57 AM
because the robber signed a statement swearing the jewelry wasn't stolen & gave a fingerprint.
Why is this document even taken into consideration when it is all a LIE?! That's the weirdest piece of legal BS I think I've heard. WTH? 
I'm sorry that FL(?) is making it hard for you to get YOUR jewelry back. That makes no sense. I'd contact the media about it. |
    
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enjoytotheend
AncestralPea
PeaNut 359,333
January 2008
Posts: 4,031
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:30:10 AM
Wow it is almost like you have been victimized twice. Once by the robber and the again by the pawn shop. You shouldn't have to pay to get your stuff back. Yes it stinks that the pawn shop is out but then they should sue the man for damages. It is not your responsibility to pay to get your stuff back. If it's not illegal it sure should be! I hope the police have a detailed, itemized list of all that was stolen so he can't say that he has only some of it and give you back a partial amount. | |
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revirdsuba
Wise~old Pea
PeaNut 17,460
June 2001
Posts: 22,115
Layouts: 94
Loc: Central NJ
 | Posted: 1/24/2013 11:34:04 AM
Makes no sense at all. I do not understand why the police have not taken custody of the stolen property, it is evidence of a crime. He had followed the laws and reported that he had the items, as required in this area. The fact that it is stolen property and needs to be turned over to the rightful owner is the cost of his doing business with people he does not know and/or checked out before giving them the dollars. The pawn shop is now knowingly in possession of stolen property, it should have been removed from the premises by the police.
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Peppermintpatty
AncestralPea
PeaNut 279,995
October 2006
Posts: 4,299
Layouts: 40
Loc: Peaing in Rockville, MD
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:40:54 AM
How can he be told he will be arrested if he doesn't return your jewelry but at the same time tell you that you have to pay him for the goods? Did he tell you this in front of the officer?
Because he is being an asshole, I would pay the fee to the court over paying him. |
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lovetodigi
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 257,022
April 2006
Posts: 7,672
Layouts: 5
Loc: Metro Atlanta
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:50:50 AM
I would think that he could be arrested for receiving stolen goods.
Exactly. the goods should be taken by the police as evidence. That makes no sense. |
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Jennerator
AncestralPea
PeaNut 74,223
March 2003
Posts: 4,298
Layouts: 144
| Posted: 1/24/2013 11:54:29 AM
I have never heard of this happeneing, but I suppose it happens all the time. It's just plain wrong. I agree with another pea, you've been robbed twice. And I also agree with the post above mine, I would sure as hell pay the court cost before I paid a dime to that scum. Good luck, and I'm so sorry you are going through this. |
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cannes
Proud Pea-lice Wife!
PeaNut 41,743
July 2002
Posts: 7,692
Layouts: 3
| Posted: 1/24/2013 12:12:52 PM
Oh, hell no. I wouldn't pay him a dime.
I'd go through the courts just to prove a point to the jerk. |
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Mary Kay Lady
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 367,913
March 2008
Posts: 2,241
Layouts: 0
Loc: The state of Confusion!
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:03:33 PM
This is just wrong on so many levels. He may be complying with the law, but it's just not right. You shouldn't have to pay for his mistake of believing someone who stole property from you.
I think I'd try contacting the news stations to see if they can help in any way. Most businesses want to avoid negative advertizing. Does the pawn shop have a Face Book page? if so, leave a negative post.
I would also persue the legal route. Be persistant. I hope that you get your jewelery back.
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Bingcherry
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 198,489
March 2005
Posts: 2,992
Layouts: 5
Loc: Sunny Orlando, FL
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:15:07 PM
Oh that's terrible!! What happens if he sells it in the meantime? I would buy it and see if I could get my money back at a later time. |
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MizIndependent
Is there another word for synonym?
PeaNut 256,623
April 2006
Posts: 13,682
Layouts: 2
Loc: Right where I'm s'posed to be.
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:21:02 PM
You might consider photographing your jewelry while it is still in the pawn shop's possession, just in case this ass gets vindictive because you won't bend to his extortion.
We need the exact name of the pawn shop so he can feel the full power of the interwebs.
And I'm another one that agrees with calling your local tv stations. They would be salivating over this story. Theft, corruption, greed, innocent victim...this story has it all. |
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MerryMom937
PeaFixture
PeaNut 472,567
June 2010
Posts: 3,078
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:26:32 PM
I'm still not clear on why the police didn't confiscate the jewelry as evidence in the first place. | |
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WillowJane
Running the Marathon, Not the Sprint
PeaNut 110,589
October 2003
Posts: 6,590
Layouts: 8
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:26:46 PM
I would calling the local newspaper and television stations with that story.
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Dalai Mama
La Pea Boheme
PeaNut 49,641
September 2002
Posts: 24,147
Layouts: 85
Loc: Drunk on the lawn in a nuclear dawn
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:40:24 PM
I would ask him how much money (I would ask to see the documentation of that) he gave the "thief" for the jewelry and offer him less than that to pay him that amount so that he is not out too much any money.
Oh Hell No. |
Jo Mama
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Enough
PeaNut
PeaNut 553,030
April 2012
Posts: 471
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:48:35 PM
We need the exact name of the pawn shop so he can feel the full power of the interwebs.
Not a good idea. Before you go putting the business name out there you should read the massage thread. | |
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ladybugz
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 199,413
April 2005
Posts: 10,973
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:54:48 PM
Can he sell it in the meantime of you getting the order to return it to you? I would be worried about him doing that.
Could you buy it back and then once you have the order have the police require him to return the money to you since it was stolen from you in the first place?
I am glad you at least found it but that sounds very illegal as the others said in the first place. | |
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jeremysgirl
PeaNut
PeaNut 568,351
October 2012
Posts: 96
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:58:19 PM
I can't believe the police didn't take it. While I feel for the pawn shop guy getting screwed out of his money, it's your jewelry and it was stolen. It just crazy that he'd think you'd pay to get it back. | |
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NurseSweets
AncestralPea
PeaNut 255,021
March 2006
Posts: 4,870
Layouts: 0
Loc: Notre Dame , In
| Posted: 1/24/2013 1:59:19 PM
Same thing happened to me, my house was broken into by our neighbor who stole over $6000 worth of items from my home, mostly jewelry, electrics and medication! A month later her was caught and confessed! I had to give a statement and list of stolen items! Some were at two local pawn shops but most of the stuff he admitted to trading for drugs! We had to clean our savings buying back from the pawn shop ( he had pawned my engagement ring, my moms wedding band, grammas pearls ect) then we had to sue him for everything! He did around a yr in prison and now pays us a monthly check through a victim offender program! The entire thing makes me sick! |
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NurseSweets
AncestralPea
PeaNut 255,021
March 2006
Posts: 4,870
Layouts: 0
Loc: Notre Dame , In
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:02:59 PM
I forgot to add that my Aunt and Uncle own a pawn shop and in some states the pawn shop is protected... They have to show proof of what they paid him for the items pawned and that is what they have to charge you to get it back, then you have to personally sue the person! That's what happened in my case! So we were robbed twice in my opinion! |
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HdoubleJ
PeaAddict
PeaNut 153,712
June 2004
Posts: 1,332
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:04:09 PM
That's crazy! So sorry you are having to deal with this! |
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WorkingClassDog
Rick Springfield Junkie
PeaNut 78,429
March 2003
Posts: 13,984
Layouts: 5
Loc: Mountain High Pea
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:07:48 PM
We need the exact name of the pawn shop so he can feel the full power of the interwebs.
OH MY GOD... please do not do this.... I am shaking my head.
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Free~Bird
Honorary Bearcat!
PeaNut 104,551
September 2003
Posts: 9,929
Layouts: 3
Loc: Missouri
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:08:27 PM
If he'll get arrested for selling the itmes, then why wouldn't he be arrested for selling the items to you?
Sounds like a loophole in your favor.
I'd totally sit on it and wait until the courts ordered it returned. It's his money invested into it, let him bleed for a while. |
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obliolait
BucketHead
PeaNut 550,788
April 2012
Posts: 844
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:08:27 PM
the easy solution is to send a lawyer's letter. if your merchandise is not returned, you can sue him for it and the cost of the lawyer. | |
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Simply_Lovely
PeaFixture
PeaNut 463,295
April 2010
Posts: 3,284
Layouts: 3
Loc: New York City
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~Lauren~
Original Pea #1803
PeaNut 246,606
January 2006
Posts: 29,618
Layouts: 16
Loc: right here...even if some don't like it. ;)
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:16:29 PM
A quick google shows that in Florida the law provides that stolen property received inadvertently by a pawn shop owner belongs to the shop owner and that he is within his rights to keep it unless you pay.
I'm sorry this happened to you but it seems the shopkeeper is not doing anything illegal and frankly, unless there's an allegation that the pawn broker knew the stuff was stolen, the cop had no right to tell him he couldn't sell it. |
Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian - Henry Ford | |
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Annabella
Leads a Charmed Life
PeaNut 43,843
July 2002
Posts: 42,250
Layouts: 46
Loc: East Coast
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:18:31 PM
The policeman said I can get a writ of replevin from the court to force the shop to return it to me as it is stolen property. I know I will eventually get my jewelry, but it's not going to be any time soon.
I would do this and don't break down and give him a cent of your money.
I understand his side though, he's out of his money. I'm sorry this happened to you but the sooner you go to court the faster this will move along. Keep busy pursuing your options and the fingerprint owner. Also think of a way to store your jewelry differently in the future, just so you're not sitting at home thinking about the pawn shop owner. I hope you remember the number of pieces he has.
However I don't understand why he contacted the police over the jewelry if he wanted to make a sale? Does he routinely hand over fingerprints just to check? |
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Dalai Mama
La Pea Boheme
PeaNut 49,641
September 2002
Posts: 24,147
Layouts: 85
Loc: Drunk on the lawn in a nuclear dawn
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:18:35 PM
A quick google shows that in Florida the law provides that stolen property received inadvertently by a pawn shop owner belongs to the shop owner and that he is within his rights to keep it unless you pay.
I'm sorry this happened to you but it seems the shopkeeper is not doing anything illegal and frankly, unless there's an allegation that the pawn broker knew the stuff was stolen, the cop had no right to tell him he couldn't sell it.
Man, that sucks! |
Jo Mama
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~Lauren~
Original Pea #1803
PeaNut 246,606
January 2006
Posts: 29,618
Layouts: 16
Loc: right here...even if some don't like it. ;)
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:19:23 PM
Like most situations in this country, each state will have different laws and rules. Sadly it looks like Florida tends to favor the pawn broker. |
Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian - Henry Ford | |
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mom2cameron
AncestralPea
PeaNut 150,880
June 2004
Posts: 4,568
Layouts: 1
Loc: On a softball field somewhere.
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:27:54 PM
That sucks! |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,538
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 1/24/2013 2:38:05 PM
I live in Florida
I KNEW as soon as i read your post that you were in Florida. This State SUCKS!!!! Criminals have the law on their side, and the police are generally too lazy to do anything anyway.
I had my diamond and sapphire jewelry stolen. Reported it to the police, they yawned, so DH and I checked all the pawn shops within a 25 mile radius of our home. We found it, contacted the police, and had to BUY it back! We could have gone through the system and gotten back for free, but knowing the way things work in Florida, I didn't trust anyone not to 'lose' it before we had filed claims etc, so we negotiated a settlement and paid up. Yep, robbed twice is exactly what it is. | |
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