An ex-husband in need of money, an antique dealer looking to make a purchase and an ex-wife claiming the antiques were not for sale made for a domestic dispute with other elements in Middletown Township last Tuesday, police say.
It all started when William Gordon 44, of Levittown, contacted “John,” an antiques collector, about a carousel rocking horse he was looking to sell. It was made clear that the sale had to take place before 3 p.m. so he could use the funds from the sale to leave for a family vacation he was about to go on leaving that day, September 3, Gordon told John, according to court documents.
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Gordon provided the address to the potential buyer, who arrived soon afterwards, with Gordon directing them to come inside the rented home, located on the 100 block of Rain Lilly Road. John and a friend went inside so they could look at the rocking horse, police said.
After agreeing to buy the item for $100, Gordon, according to the probable cause affidavit, offered to sell John antique vases out of hutch in the house. Gordon helped the purchaser out of the house with the antique horse when a Gordon’s former wife pulled into the driveway, according to police. The arrival of his ex reportedly caused Gordon to drop the horse, get on his bike and ride away.
The woman, blocked John’s car in, calling police immediately.
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Gordon’s ex explained to police that the residence and items within it belonged to her daughter and Gordon, who was “kicked out” of the home about two months ago. She said he didn’t own anything at the home they once shared, court records say.
The ex-wife, while waiting for police found out from the antique buyer that her former husband had made the phone calls from inside the Rain Lilly Road home and knew that her usual arrival time from work was between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, which is why her ex husband wanted the sale to take place before 3 p.m. Additionally, she told officers a windows in the TV room was unlocked and pushed open.
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While Gordon’s daughter was speaking with authorities, the owner of the home arrived, telling police Gordon was at the house earlier in the day and asked to use the phone on his way to a job interview. The landlord let him in, provided a glass of juice and “sent him on his way,” she told police. Subsequently, she also told police Gordon is not allowed in the home, has no access to it and has no valuables the Middletown home.
Gordon was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, and theft by deception. He is in Bucks County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in front of District Court Judge John J. Kelly Jr. on September 12.
