Lewes man arrested on theft charges following joint police investigation

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Rehoboth Beach Police and Delaware State Police have arrested a Lewes man on theft charges stemming from an investigation that began last month.

Delaware State Police and Rehoboth Beach Police began investigating 55-year-old Francis Lutz of Oceanside Casual Furniture, LLC, for non-delivery of purchased furniture. It was learned that in January 2024, a Georgetown homeowner’s association bought poolside furniture for Lutz, paying him $1,960 for the furniture but never receiving it. In May, a 91-year-old Magnolia woman reportedly paid Lutz $3,000 for outdoor furniture that she has not yet received. Additionally, detectives learned that in June 2023, a 71-year-old Rehoboth Beach woman paid $5,500 for furniture that she also has not received.

Police say in all cases, the victims paid for the furniture, it was never delivered, and they were never reimbursed.

Warrants were obtained for his arrest, and on August 22nd, Lutz turned himself in at DSP Troop 4. He was subsequently charged with four counts of theft over $1500 where the victim is over 62, theft under $1500 where the victim is over 62, theft over $1500, and theft under $1500. He was later released on his own recognizance.

Since the business is within the City of Rehoboth corporate limits, any further investigation will be conducted by the Rehoboth Beach Police Department. Anyone who may have been defrauded by Lutz in a similar manner is encouraged to contact Rehoboth Beach Police at 302-227-2577 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.