Former jewelry store owner indicted again and sued in circuit court

Charlotte Killen (Photo: LCDC)

FLORENCE-(SHOALS INSIDER)-Charlotte Couch Killen, 60, 1223 Ridge Drive, Killen, was indicted for a second time with more charges of 1st and 2nd Degree Theft of Property. Killen is also being sued in circuit court.

Killen formerly owned Morgan Jewelers in the K-Mart shopping center in Florence. Killen took different items from her customers to place on consignment in her store. When the store closed, Killen failed to pay for or return the items to her alleged victims. Victims reportedly contacted her multiple times but were unable to retrieve their items.

Previously Killen was indicted during the September 2015 session of the Lauderdale County Grand Jury. The warrants charged Killen with 1st and 2nd Degree Theft. She was arrested last September but was released from the Lauderdale Detention Center after posting a $23,000 bond.

Authorities tell the Shoals Insider,  Killen is facing still more charges. Killen faces an additional eight counts of 1st Degree Theft, four counts of 2nd Degree Theft, and a single count of 3rd Degree Theft.

Killen was again released from the Lauderdale County Detention Center after posting a $47,000 bond.

According to courthouse records, Killen is being sued in circuit court by a Lauderdale County resident for failure to repay a $15,000 loan.

The lawsuit states, “Killen led the plaintiff to believe the investment in her business would generate a return and be able to repay the loan within 12 months,”

Florence attorney Marty Newell represented Killen in her criminal case.

Lauderdale County Presiding Circuit Court Judge Mike T. Jones has set a sentencing hearing for February 25, 2016 at 1:30pm.

By Katherine Tanner – Staff Writer

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