Accused con-man behind bars

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - The Mobile Police Department arrested a man they said promised customers he would restore or sell customers furniture, but failed to follow through.

Robert Byrd, 27, is charged with three counts of first degree theft of property and two counts of second degree theft of property.

 Authorities said they opened an investigation on Byrd after they received several complaints about him. The claim Byrd made promises he did not keep.

"We have a number of people that have given him (Byrd) different pieces of furniture and other items with the idea that he was either going to restore them or sell them on consignment. And most of the time these things just didn't occur,” said Mobile Police Department Cpl. Christopher Levy.

Customers saud the business was called SpringHill Restoration on Old Shell Road.

"He clearly had some intent to take these peoples items with no real intent to follow through with the business. These people are just out money, a lot of money too," said Mobile Police Department Cpl. Christopher Levy.

Karen DeKay said she maintained a friendship with Byrd until she noticed some of her household were missing. She claims Byrd sold her things, without her permission. She said when she confronted him, Bryd would deny it.

DeKay claims she knows several people who have fallen victim to Byrd’s alleged schemes.

"You would go and your merchandise would be gone. The money was gone, and he doesn't have a clue what you’re talking about,” said DeKay.

The Mobile Police Department said there could be more victims in this case. If you are one of them, you are asked to call Criminal Investigations 251.208.1783.