Man Accused Of Selling Fake Gold Gets Trial

PITTSBURGH,None — A man accused of selling fake gold to area jewelers is headed to trial.

Police said Chenier Bashea entered Yuriys Jeweler in downtown Pittsburgh last week and attempted to sell the owner artificial gold.

The owner of the jeweler said he has lost thousands of dollars in the past because of the fake gold scam. Yuriy Beckman told Channel 11 News that he figured out how thieves were pulling the scam off.

Officers said when Beckman figured out what Bashea was doing, he was able to distract him and call police.

"He's got very good game," said Yuriy Beckman. "What he did is he put four beads right here between the fingers, real ones so it looks like he reaches in the bag and gives you the real gold. You test it, then he gives you this [fake gold]. It was a good scam."

Investigators also said Bashea stole a diamond ring and watch from Yuriys Jeweler.

At his preliminary hearing Thursday, Bashea's attorney said his client didn't do anything wrong.

"Well, my client is of course very upset by the circumstances. He's a 50-something-year-old gentleman. Certainly he's of the mind that he's committed no wrongdoing, that some people were unhappy with the transaction and that's unfortunate, but he's committed no wrongdoing," said attorney David Shrager.

Shrager said he plans on working with a judge to address Bashea's bond since he was not given one on Thursday.

• E-Mail Newsletter: Get The Latest News Sent To Your E-Mail! • Mobile: Get WPXI Headlines On Your Phone, iPhone, More • RSS: Add Us To Your Page!

WPXI