MOBILE, Ala. (ACNI) – Police in Mobile, Ala., have charged a prominent local home remodeler with stealing valuable antiques from homes where he provided his services.

Officer Dana Godwin of the Mobile Police Department’s Public Relations department told Auction Central News that officers arrested Matthew Boykin Walker, 59, on Oct. 22, 2009, and charged him with three first-degree counts of receiving stolen property. Burglary charges could follow.

Reportedly, Walker has a knowledge of antiques, and had access to valuables while working in residences located in some of Mobile’s most exclusive neighborhoods, including Gulf Shores and Spring Hill.

Sheriff’s investigators removed articles from Walker’s home that included silver serving pieces President Dwight Eisenhower gave to then-Senator John F. Kennedy. Antiques recovered so far have an estimated value of $750,000.

Officer Godwin said the case remains under investigation and has been turned over to county authorities.

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