Sheriff’s Investigators Recover Furniture in Theft Scam 10-23-2014

Parker County Sheriff’s Sgt. Randy Branum inventories one of three storage units filled with stolen antique furniture.

OCTOBER 23, 2014.

PRESS RELEASE

Parker County Sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at a local storage facility stemming from an investigation where a husband and wife team is facing numerous theft charges.

Sheriff Larry Fowler said several complainants filed reports with the Sheriff’s Office stating they fell prey to a furniture restoration scheme the couple conjured.

The victims reported the suspects promised to refinish antique furniture as a service to the victims.

To date, 11 victims have reported leaving their furniture with the suspects, identified as Alyssa and Steven Lee, who entered an agreement with the victims to restore their furniture but instead kept the items and attempted to resell them online for profit.

To date, the victims have reported the Lee’s stole an estimated combined total furniture value of more than $20,000.

Sheriff’s investigators reported the couple is also suspected in additional cases from Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Springtown Police Department, Willow Park Police Department and Weatherford Police Department.

Within the last month, victims have resorted to posting the crimes on social media, warning others to be cautious of enlisting the couple for restoration services, which has since sparked a media frenzy of comments about the suspects and their business named Sugar Stone Revival.

Social media users praised the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division after investigators recovered thousands of dollars in stolen property at a local storage facility this week, rented in the suspects’ names.

Sheriff Fowler said investigators discovered three storage units filled with stolen items, including items reported stolen out of other agencies.

Investigators stated the suspects have since vacated from their Parker County residence, left the state and closed their social media accounts.

Warrants are currently being sought for the suspects, and the investigation continues as Sheriff’s investigators anticipate additional victims to come forward. Sheriff’s investigators are attempting to contact the victims in order to return the stolen items. Anyone who left furniture with the suspects may to contact the Parker County Sheriff’s Office at (817) 594-8845. All seized property will remain in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office until a final disposition is made.