ATLANTA — Atlanta police are on the lookout for a notorious flea market promoter who they said duped dozens of local vendors.
Consumer investigator Jim Strickland found a billboard announcing the coming flea market, across from the abandoned southwest Atlanta auto dealership where it was to be established.
Vendors said they paid promoter Ace Pollard for booth space, but the flea market never happened.
"You can still see the sign there that's like a wound every time you pass it," said vendor Mark Dorin.
Dorin was supposed to be in booth B-34, according to the market map on the dealership floor. He said he lost $400 when it didn't open.
"It just hurt. You're catching me a little bit after the pain went away, but my pockets are still sore," he said.
Dorin is just one of 150 victims who blame Ace Pollard, police said. There are accounts of Pollard failing to open promised markets in Nashville, Memphis, Virginia and now Atlanta.
Councilmember Joyce Sheperd said she is keeping a list of vendors who complain they got nothing for their investment.
Pollard listed a Buckhead address in his incorporation papers, but he is no longer there. His number was disconnected, and state officials have revoked his corporation.
WSBTV
