Matthew Johnston, 46, of Wright City, and owner of U Bought It Auction Auction Services in Warren County has been charged with eight counts of receiving stolen property, all felonies.
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Matthew Johnston, 46, of Wright City, and owner of U Bought It Auction Auction Services in Warren County has been charged with eight counts of receiving stolen property, all felonies.
The charges stemmed from investigations conducted in May 2024, according to the probable cause statements filed by Detective Sergeant James Holmes of the Wright City Police Department and Detective Sergeant Jason Hanner of the Warrenton Police Department.
According to the probable cause statements, Johnston entered into agreements with eight victims to pick up and sell items with his auction service between Sept. 19, 2023 and April 20, 2024.
The victims stated their items were sold at the auction but they never received payment from Johnston.
One victim stated their items were picked up by Johnston on Feb. 28, 2024 and sold but they never received payment. According to a probable cause statement filed by Hanner, the victim went to U Bought It Auction Services on April 20 and 27, 2024 to collect payment and was “kicked out of the business by (Johnston)” on April 27, 2024.
The Warrenton Police Department served a warrant on Johnston and U Bought It Auction Services on May 16, 2024 and seized documents related to the victims’ sales including unsent checks and consignment agreements, according to the probable cause statement.
The unsent payments totaled just under $36,000.
Detectives with the Warrenton Police Department executed a search warrant for Johnston’s bank statements showing that for the majority of the period being investigated, Johnston did not have the funds to cover any of the checks that were written.
Holmes said the two departments have been coordinating with Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office, the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.
“Between both agencies and between Detective Sergeant James Holmes and Detective Sergeant Jason Hanner work cohesively (the investigation) has resulted in charges,” said Wright City Police Lieutenant Aaron Sutton. “They have worked with the attorney general’s office and other investigators to make sure this is a well investigated crime.”
A warrant has been issued for Johnston’s arrest but he is not yet in police custody.
Sutton encouraged any other victims who did not receive payment from Johnston for sale agreements to come forward to the Warrenton or Wright City Police Department.
