In a final attempt to find the owners of photographic negatives and customer proofs recovered from the long-shuttered Cohen Photography of Providence before court-approved destruction, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is urging anyone who may have utilized the services of Cohen Photography to contact the Office of Attorney General.
After Cohen Photography closed its doors in 2002, leaving hundreds of customers unable to obtain their photographs, the Office of Attorney General received a court order granting permission to take possession of the inventory. Several hundred consumers were able to take possession of their photographs. The last inquiry the Office received about the inventory was in May 2003.
The Office of Attorney General is still in possession of 20 boxes of photographic negatives and proofs. The Office has catalogued the remaining inventory by last name, event and date. The Office has assigned an employee to help consumers who believe they may be the rightful owners of the negatives or proofs.
"There are a lot of memories contained in these boxes, and it's our hope that we can connect the owners with what rightfully belongs to them," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "While it appears the majority of what we possess is negatives and proofs, which is an indication that customers are in possession of the actual photographs, we want to give everyone the opportunity to get what is rightfully theirs."
To inquire if the Office is in possession of a package of negatives or proofs that may belong to you, please contact Jamie Kamborian at the Office of Attorney General at 401-274-4400 ext 2224 or via email. The Office will destroy all remaining inventory not accounted for on March 31, 2015.
About the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit
The Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit investigates and mediates consumer complaints concerning unfair and unlawful business practices and misleading advertising arising out of alleged violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. If groups of people are victimized by a deceptive trade practice, this office may file in the Superior Court a civil investigative demand, which is a formal investigation. In appropriate cases, a lawsuit to stop the illegal business practice may be initiated.
Apart from carrying out its statutory responsibilities, the Unit also provides information and referral services to the general public. Consumers are directed to the appropriate governmental or private agencies for help in answering specialized questions or resolving disputes that are not within the Unit's jurisdiction.
The Consumer Protection Unit is available to speak to community groups on how to prevent being a victim of identity theft and other scams. For more information, please visit www.riag.ri.gov or call (401) 274-4400.