Morristown Man Sold Artificial Diamonds As Real, Cops Say

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — A Morristown man has been arrested for selling artificial diamonds to a customer, claiming that they were real, officials said.

Justin T. Wentzel, 43, works as a jeweler in Mount Olive, where he is accused of selling lab-grown diamonds to someone under false pretenses, swindling the customer out of tens of thousands of dollars.

According to Mount Olive police, one of Wentzel’s customers told police that he had sold them three pieces of jewelry, of which he “misrepresented the authenticity of the precious gems” as well as their value.

An investigation revealed that the diamonds were, in fact, lab-grown and overvalued by more than $23,800, authorities said.

Wentzel turned himself in to Mount Olive police on Thursday and was arrested and charged with theft by deception, criminal simulation, and falsifying or tampering with a record.

He was released from custody to await court proceedings.