Perkasie man admits to taking $100K-plus in deposits for custom furniture he never made

A 37-year-old Bedminster furniture maker has been sentenced to state prison for taking more than $100,000 for custom projects that were never completed.

Austin Smallcombe pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony theft by deception, criminal conspiracy and receiving advance payments for services and failing to perform.

Smallcombe admitted he took nearly $118,000 from 40 customers who paid him and his wife, Amanda, 36, for custom furniture that they never delivered. Here is what we know about the case.

Bedminster couple accused of scam Perkasie couple scammed customers out of nearly $118K in furniture scheme: police

A&A Custom Furniture run by Austin and Amanda Smallcombe in Perkasie home

Austin and Amanda Smallcombe operated a business called A & A Custom Furniture out of their home on Katie Lane in Perkasie.

The couple advertised their furniture through Facebook and other social media networks which is how customers contacted them with orders. The victims were required to pay a large deposit to order online, authorities said.

Hilltown police opened an investigation in 2022 when a Hilltown resident claimed he paid $4,300 for dining room furniture that he never received. When the man complained the couple offered to refund his money, but didn’t.

After the initial report, police in Bedminster, Hilltown and Newtown Township spoke with more than 40 other customers who claimed they either didn’t receive furniture they put deposits down on or received poor quality products, police said.

The police investigation found the couple used the deposit money for personal expenses.

What will happen to Austin Smallcombe?

Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Wallace Bateman Jr. sentenced Austin Smallcombe to serve three to seven years in state prison, followed by 10 years of probation, and pay restitution in the amount of $118,714.69 to the victims.

Was Amanda Smallcombe charged with a crime?

Yes. Amanda Smallcombe was charged and she also pleaded guilty earlier this year to misdemeanor counts of theft by deception and related charges. She was sentenced her to  60 days of total confinement, four months on home confinement with electronic monitoring, 40 hours of community service and ordered her to repay the restitution with her husband.

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Perkasie man admits to taking $100K-plus in deposits for custom furniture he never made