Alleged Con Man Accused of Scam to Sell Fake Diamonds in Seal Beach

A 59-year-old Compton man accused of trying to sell a fake diamond in Seal Beach for $9,500 was free on bail today.

Earl Howard pleaded not guilty Monday to attempted grand theft, according to court records.

Seal Beach police Cpl. Michael Henderson said Howard posted an advertisement with a Main Street business for a diamond worth $29,000 being sold for $9,500. The company Howard contacted to run the ad contacted police, who set up an undercover sting Thursday, posing as interested buyers, Henderson said.

Howard allegedly said the diamonds he had for sale were authentic, Henderson said.

Police say Howard has an “extensive criminal record” and was on federal probation when he was arrested.

Howard posted bail and was released from Orange County Jail today, records show. He is due back in court April 8 for a pretrial hearing.

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• City News Service