Famous, infamous, and "you've seen them on TV" Chattanoogans. Political
figures live on the Local Government & Politics
page - this page is for everyone else.
The notorious name on the local-business circuit. Davis is a longtime
Chattanooga jeweler and TV-commercial fixture who operated Rick's Gold
and Diamonds on Brainerd Road - the "let's make a deal" gold buyer you
probably grew up seeing on late-night local TV.
In 2024 the fame turned into a cautionary tale. A Hamilton County grand
jury indicted him on six theft charges - accused of taking property
from multiple victims, including a case where he allegedly paid $150
for a ring a customer claimed was worth around $100,000 (NewsChannel
9).
The charges piled up over time: theft, passing worthless checks
(NewsChannel 9),
and allegations he threatened an attorney involved in a civil suit against
him. His business inventory was ordered seized and auctioned to repay
victims (WDEF).
By 2026 the criminal case was still working its way through the courts,
with a judge publicly questioning the pace of proceedings
(WDEF).
A reminder that "local TV personality" and "reliable local business" are
not the same thing - check the Better Business Bureau and court records
before you do a big gold transaction anywhere.
Last updated: September 2026.