Jeweler Peter Spinelli is slapped with a 20 count indictment for allegedly selling fake diamonds to a number of customers. 50 year old Peter Spinelli faced a judge in Albany County Court Friday morning arraigned on a number of felony charges for the first time.

A couple from Colonie that bought some of those fake diamonds says they’re very happy to see the additional charges brought against Spinelli, a man they say did a lot of damage.

Lena Scaringe and her husband Anthony of Colonie are glad to see justice was served.

Lena Scaringe said, “How could he do that to so many people? So sad, I saw men crying.”

Friday morning Peter Spinelli, the man accused of selling them bogus diamond earrings and selling dud diamonds to many others was arraigned on nine counts of grand larceny, ten counts of petit larceny and one count of tax evasion.

Anthony Scaringe said, “I had no idea he could be crooked so to speak.”

Anthony gave those earrings to his wife for their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. But then they discovered a year later, along with dozens of other customers, that Spinelli allegedly sold them fake stones.

Lena Scaringe said, “Just upset, very upset to think you had diamonds…and they’re not diamonds.”

Spinelli Jewelers went from a popular local business in a standout location on Central Avenue to an office across the street with a sign that says by appointment only.

The Scaringe’s say they feel sorry for all the victims but that sympathy also extends to an unlikely person, Spinelli himself.

Lena Scaringe said, “Right now I feel bad and I feel sorry for his whole family, I really do. She has children and a lovely wife I heard; it’s really a sad situation.”

It’s a situation that has taught this couple a very valuable lesson.

Anthony Scaringe said, “I’ll have it appraised, before I even do the signature.”

District Attorney David Soares says his office will vigorously prosecute this case on behalf of all the victims. If Spinelli is convicted on all counts, he could face 25 years in prison.