CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The doors of Rick Davis Gold and Diamonds reopened Saturday—not for business as usual, but for a court-ordered liquidation sale aimed at repaying victims owed money by embattled Chattanooga businessman Rick Davis.
Davis, who faces multiple charges including theft and issuing worthless checks, had his business seized by federal authorities amid an ongoing criminal investigation. Most recently, Davis drew further scrutiny after allegedly threatening to kill an attorney representing a woman suing him for unpaid debts.
With uncertainty looming over how victims would be compensated, the liquidation sale offered a glimmer of restitution. Proceeds from the event are slated to go directly toward reimbursing individuals who claim they were defrauded by Davis.
For some shoppers, the opportunity to participate in the sale served a dual purpose: picking up a unique item and helping make victims whole.
“As soon as I heard the money was going to people he owes, I figured I would support—even if it’s just in a little way,” said Travis Crouch, one of the many attendees browsing through cases of jewelry, antiques, décor, and store fixtures.
The sale continues through the week, with remaining inventory from the now-defunct business available for purchase. Law enforcement officials, including the FBI and Chattanooga Police Department, continue to investigate the extent of Davis’s alleged fraudulent activities.
For victims, the road to full recovery remains uncertain—but Saturday’s sale marked a small step toward justice.