COEUR d'ALENE - Authorities Tuesday morning seized two vehicles from Kevin E. Mitchell, who was the owner and operator of CoiNuts coin shop in Coeur d'Alene.

Money from a future sale of the 2003 Hummer and 2003 Cadillac CTS will go to one of the victims of the coin-shop dealer's alleged swindling.

Mitchell, 47, of Hayden Lake, has been accused by dozens of customers of regularly failing to deliver on gold and silver purchased by customers, and of writing bad checks for valuables. Customers have claimed to have lost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.

Mitchell, who has not been charged with any crimes, has declined comment. CoiNuts, which closed in July, was located at 296 W. Sunset Ave., just off U.S. 95 in Coeur d'Alene.

Lt. Stu Miller of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said the vehicles are being stored at Merwin's towing in Hayden.

Victim Don Macdonald, of Hayden, sought what's called a "writ of execution" after Mitchell failed to pay up on a court-ordered judgment.

"I think this is the best news I've had since I was swindled," Macdonald said.

Macdonald bought a dozen coins worth more than $20,000 from CoiNuts a year ago this month, but Mitchell only delivered on two of the coins.

Mitchell has 14 days to contest the seizure and file a "claim of exemption," Miller said.

If he fails to challenge the seizure, the sheriff's office will schedule an auction, Miller said.

Funds from any sale would go back to the court and be dispersed to Macdonald, he said. Any towing or storage fees would be paid first, Miller said.