(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A former bridal shop owner has been charged with a felony for allegedly stiffing a bride-to-be who paid her more than $2,000 for a wedding gown that was never delivered, Arlington Heights police say.
A customer contacted police earlier this year and told them Monique L. Pruitt had failed to deliver a custom-fitted wedding dress that was purchased for $2,310 last March, police said.
Prior to the delivery date, the customer reportedly learned that Pruitt had vacated her shop, Ava Nicole Bridal Shop, and changed her number.
Pruitt then postponed three fitting appointments and ceased all communication with the customer, who never received the dress or a refund, police said.
Pruitt’s retail account with the gown’s manufacturer had been closed for a year for nonpayment, investigators learned.
When Pruitt allegedly failed to cooperate in the police investigation, an arrest warrant was issued and the 43-year-old was taken into custody on Dec. 15, 2023 . She was charged with one count of theft by deception, police said.
Pruitt was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, officials said.
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