Man Accused Of Running Up Hotel Tabs, Skipping Out On Bill

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man is now in police custody, accused of running up tabs of thousands of dollars at area hotels and then skipping out on the bill.

According to police, the suspect used the same scam at several downtown hotels, promising to settle up at checkout.

Police say their hunt for Larry Raymond started at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Authorities say a man identified himself, claiming that his wallet was stolen and did not have any credit cards or identification.

Investigators say Raymond allegedly was given a room on Aug. 20. When he left the hotel on Aug. 21, his hotel bill was more than $700. Authorities say he never paid.

"This isn't just an amateur, this is someone who knows how to work the system," said Sgt. Robert Miller, of Pittsburgh Police.

Police took reports from several other hotels in the next week.

Authorities say they believe Raymond allegedly pulled the same routine at the Double Tree with a bill close to $800, at the Westin Hotel and the Sheraton in Station Square.

The biggest bill came at the Marriot in Downtown Pittsburgh where officials say Raymond is believed to have checked in for five days with a bill for $1,500 for using hotel services, buying from the gift shop and eating at their restaurant.

In total, police say from Aug. 17 to Aug. 28, Raymond is accused of racking up unpaid hotel bills of $4171.06.

It was at the Cambria Suites on Centre Avenue where police made an arrest.

Through the investigation, police discovered that the suspect had contacted Market Real Estate in Market Square, interested in buying a condo.

But that agent tells KDKA, he didn't look the part, even asking the agent at one point to cash a check, since he did not have his wallet.

The agent, after talking with police, was instrumental in the arrest, setting up a fake meeting with Raymond at Cambria Suites where police took him into custody.

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