Statesville precious metal dealer arrested

STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A precious metals dealer in Statesville has been arrested and charged with accepting stolen jewelry.

Iredell County Sheriff's Maj. Darrin Campbell says 53-year-old Phillip Bruce Razor of Catawba has been charged with possession of stolen weapons, precious metal violations, trafficking in controlled substances and trafficking in fraudulent identifications.

Campbell says officers had been investigating Razor and his North Carolina Gold and Diamond Exchange for six months.

Authorities said they began investigating after getting tips that Razor might be purchasing stolen property and precious metals without identifying the seller.

State law requires dealers to keep records of jewelry and metals, including photos of the items, and send the information to police.

Investigators say they found stolen weapons and other items in the store.

It was unclear if Razor has a lawyer.