Businessman sues ex-fiancee over $2.1M in stolen jewels

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) — A Florida businessman has sued his ex-fiancee alleging that she and her parents conspired to steal $2.1 million in gold, diamonds and other jewelry after their breakup last summer.

Scott Patrick Mitchell of Palm Harbor says his ex took 99 three-diamond necklaces, 147 gold rings and 172 loose diamonds from his vault, according to The Tampa Bay Times.

The ex-fiancee, Mary Catherine Hunt, also faces criminal charges of grand theft in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court for the alleged heist. Her attorneys have denied the allegations and say more facts will come to light.

Mitchell, CEO of salon products company Simply Organic, told investigators that he and investors bought the jewels from struggling jewelers during the recession in 2008. They paid $900,000, but now estimate the worth at $2.1 million.

He says only he and Hunt knew the combination to access the vault.