Quote Quoting cxp
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Is there any chance of getting the jewelry back? PA law states store must hold for 5 days. The store was not helpful, and I suspect that the jewelry is gone, but perhaps a visit from the police or a threatening letter from a lawyer would result in some action.
Why aren't the police seizing the jewelry as evidence?
Quote Quoting cxp
Should we expect criminal charges to be filed against the "friend?"
Your friend can talk to the investigating officer if he wants to know the status of the investigation.
Quote Quoting cxp
I don't know if we would have a say in pressing charges or not. If yes, what criminal charges would be likely?
That will depend on what facts the police are able to assemble.
Quote Quoting cxp
Do we need to take any action here?
Who is "we"? Your friend either needs to decide to get on board with prosecution, or deal with the fact that it may not happen. If he has insurance he can file a claim, but the insurance company is going to want the thief to be prosecuted.
Quote Quoting cxp
How would we proceed with a civil case against the "friend?" I'm not sure that small claims court would be sufficient considering the the cost of the jewelry.
We have no information on the value of the jewelry. If he wants to file in small claims court, waiving the value above the small claims limit, it's pretty easy. If he wants to file in a regular trial court he should consider retaining a lawyer. We have no way of telling you how capable he would be representing himself, and from what you have shared he seems rather indifferent to punishing his leading suspect.