Bridal Shop Owner Scams Customer On Wedding Gown: Arlington Heights PD

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The former owner of an Arlington Heights bridal shop is accused of deceiving a customer and never delivering on a wedding gown. Monique L. Pruitt, 43, of the 0-100 block of Plum Grove Road, Palatine, was charged with felony theft by deception.

Pruitt, who was released from custody following her arrest Friday, is due back in court Tuesday.

Police received a complaint that Pruitt failed to deliver an ordered wedding gown when she was owner of Ava Nicole Bridal Shop, previously located on Miner Street. Pruitt reportedly accepted a payment of $2,310 for a custom-fitted bridal gown on March 1. The customer was told the gown would be delivered in time for a scheduled late summer wedding.

Prior to an agreed delivery date, it was discovered Pruitt had vacated her Arlington Heights store and changed telephone numbers, according to police. In addition, Pruitt then postponed three fitting appointments and subsequently ceased all communication with the customer, who never received their gown or a refund.

An investigation revealed that Pruitt's retail account with the gown's manufacturer had been closed for one year due to a non-payment of invoices.

Police said Pruitt failed to cooperate in the police investigation and an arrest warrant was issued.