Police: Owner of a furniture store in Rehoboth never delivered purchases

The owner of Oceanside Casual Furniture is facing grand larceny charges after police say he accepted money for furniture purchases but never delivered the goods.

In July, Rehoboth Beach police began investigating Francis Lutz, 55, of Lewes, after receiving several reports that he never delivered furniture he had purchased. Police said a Georgetown homeowners association paid $1,960 for pool furniture; a 91-year-old woman from Magnolia paid $3,000 for patio furniture; and a 71-year-old woman from Rehoboth Beach paid $5,500 for furniture. In all cases, police said, the victims paid for the furniture, but it was never delivered and they received no refund.

Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Lutz. He turned himself in to Troop 4 on August 22 and was charged with four counts of theft over $1,500 (from a victim over 62 years of age), theft under $1,500 (from a victim over 62 years of age), theft over $1,500 and theft under $1,500. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace of the 2nd Judicial District and released on parole.

Lutz was previously unavailable for comment on whether the store would be closed.

Rehoboth Beach Police Department investigators are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by Lutz to contact them at 302-227-2577. Information can also be provided through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.