Bend Property Manager Facing Theft Charges

A Bend property manager faces three counts of first-degree theft and police are looking for any other victims, saying he allegedly ripped off out-of-town homeowners more than $11,000 in bounced checks or failed payments, officers said Thursday.

Last month, police began investigating allegations of numerous thefts by the man, identified as Larry Betker, 34, said Sgt. Ron Taylor.

Officers were told by several Bend homeowners, most of whom live elsewhere, that they had employed Betker as a property manager, Taylor said.

Over the past several months, Betker allegedly deceived the homeowners by purporting to be a licensed property manager, running a business referred to at times as ?Larry?s Rentals? or ?4 Rent Property Management,? the sergeant said.

Betker also uses Internet sites such as Craigslist to advertise his business, Taylor said.

So far, several alleged victims have come forward, claiming losses topping $11,000 to Betker, the officer said. Betker is accused of writing checks to the victims from bank accounts without sufficient funds to cover them, or failing to make promises payments.

Betker was arrested May 11 on three counts of first-degree theft. It was an arrest by citation to appear in court, then released pending arraignment.

Taylor said they did that so the case could be brought before a grand jury, with any more victims, before the arraignment on the citation.

Anyone who believes they might be a victim or has more information was urged to contact Bend police at (541) 693-6911.