GARDINER, Maine — The state attorney general’s office and the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation’s Board of Licensing of Auctioneers are taking action against an auctioneer who formerly worked out of Hallowell but most recently was doing business in Brewer.
The actions stem from complaints lodged against Jeffrey S. Roberts, who also has done business as Picadilly Place Auction Gallery.
In response to the complaints, the attorney general’s office has filed a civil action in Kennebec County Superior Court. As a result, the department and board are cautioning people against doing business with Roberts and his auction gallery, which most recently was located in the old Footman’s Dairy building at 153 State St. in Brewer.
The licensing board and the attorney general’s office are alleging violations of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, including at least 22 complaints filed by consignors and buyers against this auctioneer.
The consignors allege that Roberts has failed to remit auction proceeds and account for property, auctioned property without consignment contracts, used nonconforming contracts, failed to keep proper records, made misrepresentations to consignors, engaged in unprofessional conduct, aided and abetted the unlicensed practice of auctioneering, engaged in misconduct, employed an unqualified assistant and breached his fiduciary duty to his consignors.
Brewer police also have received at least three complaints about Roberts or his business, Deputy Police Chief Chris Martin confirmed Thursday.
Martin said a detective has been assigned to look into the complaints, but the investigations are still underway so the department was not able to comment at this time.
The Superior Court complaint filed by the attorney general’s office requests preliminary and permanent injunctions seeking restitution for consignors and prohibiting Roberts from engaging in auctioneering, as well as the payment of fines, costs and attorney fees.
The board encourages anyone with information regarding Roberts to email Karen Bivins at Karen.L.Bivins@maine.gov.