More victims of a fraudulent auctioneer come forward after reporting by First Alert 4 Investigates

WARRENTON, Missouri (First Alert 4) – More and more people are coming forward claiming that a local business took their valuable items and left them nothing in return.

Police had previously confirmed that they were launching an investigation, executing a search warrant and seizing evidence.

A lot has happened since we first brought you this story. Recent photos show local police visiting the store. Now I’ve spoken to even more people who say they were surprised to see our reporting, but glad they weren’t alone.

“It’s finally catching up with him and I’m glad we’re all taking a stand,” Amber Hogan said.

Hogan contacted First Alert Four Investigates after seeing our report on the Warrenton auction house U Bought It. The owner, Matt Johnston, offers to auction off items and give a portion of the profits to the original owners.

People like Susan Mullen turned to him after their parents died. Others received checks from Johnston, but they never arrived.

“I was just sick,” said Terri Cavallaro, who hired Johnston to help her and her husband move out of state.

After our article aired, police confirmed they had received more complaints. They executed a search warrant on the store. First Alert Four Investigates requested a copy of the search warrant but was denied because it is currently under seal. The store has a broken window and does not appear to have held an auction since our article was reported.

“It’s driving me crazy because now I’m like, ‘Okay, I was expecting some of the money to help me move, but I didn’t,'” Amber said. She considered Johnston a friend and asked him to auction off a lot of stuff.

“There were about 45 to 60 boxes of stuff in there. I had high-end designer handbags, like Coach, Michael Kors and some Dooney and Bourke stuff, makeup and things like that,” Hogan said.

“What happens if you try to contact him now?” asked senior investigative reporter Lauren Trager. “Nothing. He just leaves me on ‘read,'” Hogan said.

“We have nothing. Nothing. He doesn’t call back. Nothing. So we have absolutely nothing,” said Barry Cundy.

Cundy says he was also an acquaintance, but received no money for the items he gave to Johnston to sell.

“Since your story aired, I believe he has blocked me from his Facebook page. I cannot access it,” he said. “As a retired police officer, I cannot believe you have done this to me and my family.”

They all hope that something will be done.

“And I hope they listen to us,” Hogan said.

We reached out to Johnston on Friday for a response to the search warrant and other allegations, but have not received a response. He appears to have closed his personal Facebook page. Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation.

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