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Cherokee County Scandal: Boutique Owner Arrested 11 Times for Customer Fraud

Yahoo Finance •
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Pamela Brooke Schronce, owner of Thomas & Turner boutique in Belton, South Carolina, faces repeated legal trouble after being arrested 11 times since January 2026 for allegedly scamming customers. Her latest arrest on February 23 stems from a $360 fraud case where a victim purchased items online but never received them, according to Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller. Authorities secured an arrest warrant on February 17, with Schronce booked at the Cherokee County Detention Center after repeated attempts to contact her went unanswered.

Schronce’s pattern of alleged misconduct spans eight South Carolina counties, with customers reporting undelivered goods and refused refunds since July 2024. One victim, Hannah Mason, described repeated pleas for her money going unanswered after ordering custom baby apparel. The boutique’s Instagram page, which markets "affordable & adorable" custom designs, suspended orders as of February 25, signaling ongoing fallout. Court records show Schronce is scheduled for a bench trial on March 4 in Cherokee County, though her legal representation remains undisclosed.

The case highlights persistent issues with online retail accountability, as Schronce’s actions allegedly impacted dozens of customers across multiple counties. Investigators noted that victims often stopped responding after initial attempts to resolve disputes, complicating recovery efforts. While the boutique’s website remains active, its suspension of orders suggests operational disruptions linked to the allegations.

This latest arrest underscores systemic challenges in addressing cross-jurisdictional fraud. With Schronce’s trial approaching, questions linger about restitution timelines and whether her business will face permanent closure. The case serves as a cautionary tale for e-commerce entrepreneurs balancing profitability with customer trust.