Birmingham Bridal Shop Owner Scams Thousands Of Dollars From Cutomers: Police

BIRMINGHAM, MI — A former Birmingham bridal shop owner is facing charges after swindling customers out of thousands of dollars, police said.

Nadica Ristivojevic, 58, of West Bloomfield Township, was charged with nine counts of obtaining $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 under false pretenses. She was placed in jail with a $750,000 cash bond. Her next court hearing is next week.

If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison for each count.

Officials began investigating the bridal shop after customers told police they paid thousands of dollars for designer wedding dresses but never received them or any refunds, police said.

The customers also told investigators they were forced to place rush orders with other businesses before the bridal shop abruptly closed in June, police said.

Investigators determined the business was struggling and believe Ristivojevic used the money from new orders to pay for previous orders, police said.

Investigators also determined Ristivojevic had a gambling problem after she told police she was trying to win enough money to pay back her customers, police said.

In total, the customers were cheated out of $40,000 to $50,000, police said.

Any other victims who were defrauded by Birmingham Bridal should call Detective Rebekah Springer at 248-530-1895.