News

July 4, 2008

Couple sought in eBay ripoffs

Cops: Several say items not returned or cash not handed over in Wyoming operation.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WYOMING – Borough police Thursday filed several charges against the owners of the eBay Drop-Off Store for failing to return items given for sale and failing to return cash proceeds for items sold.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Benjamin Waltman, 27, and Kimberly Waltman, 25, both of Jenkins Township. Each faces charges of deceptive or fraudulent business practices, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

Wyoming Mayor Bob Boyer said arrest warrants have been issued for the Waltmans, who he said are believed to be in North Carolina. Boyer said the Waltmans have been entered in the National Crime Information Center system to expedite their apprehension.

According to a consumer alert issued by Wyoming police, officer Mike Fuller and assistant Chief Joe Kopko received several complaints from individuals who had dropped off items to be sold at the eBay store. The victims reported they had not received their merchandise back or the cash proceeds from the sale of their items after repeated attempts to contact the owners.

The total value of merchandise given to the eBay store for sale exceeds $8,500, police said.

Wyoming police ask anyone who may have had a questionable business dealing with the eBay Drop Off Store, located at 316 Wyoming Ave., to contact them at 693-2650.

According to the criminal complaint, there were four incidents reported to police:

• John Shoemaker reported items valued at $4,597 were given to the Waltmans,

• Marian and Steven Ropieski reported $400.

• Patrick Chairge reported $3,500.

• Barbara Mackachinas reported a vase valued at $35.

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