By The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The company founded by the New York businessman known to rappers as “Jacob the Jeweler” has sued Wyclef Jean, claiming he owes money for watches and jewelry he bought.

Jacob & Co. Inc. says in Manhattan court papers filed Tuesday that the hip hop musician bought several items between March 2002 and January 2006 for $765,100. The company says Jean still owes $319,680 despite “repeated demands for payment.”

The company’s founder, Jacob Arabov, was sentenced in June to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for lying to investigators of a multistate drug ring.

Arabov was known as the “king of bling” to customers who included Madonna, Elton John and Kanye West.

Several representatives for Jean did not immediately respond to e-mails requesting comment.