DONEGAL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — When a suburban business owner found a couple willing to run a bed and breakfast in Westmoreland County, he thought he hit the jackpot. However, this business deal quickly turned sour and ended up becoming an expensive scam.
A guest at the Baneberry Meadows Bed and Breakfast in Donegal Township alerted the owner that something was wrong. When they showed up for their reservation, the door was locked and looked abandoned.
When Smalley met Samantha Brown and her boyfriend, he thought he had struck gold and finally found the bed and breakfast’s future owner. Smalley, who lives in Tennessee, owned the Baneberry Bed and Breakfast for several years before putting it up for sale. The couple told Smalley that their longtime goal was to own a restaurant. They believed they were “legal,” he said.
“They spoke very intelligently and seemed very educated,” Smalley said.
A contract has been signed for the couple to run the inn, and there is a possibility that they may purchase it in the future. Smalley said things went well for the first few weeks after taking over in May, but on June 1, he started getting calls from guests. That’s when he realized he had been scammed.
“We’re here, but the place is locked. It looks abandoned,” he said.
When Smalley arrived from Tennessee, he was greeted by overgrown grass, broken windows and more than 200 bullet casings strewn across his driveway. Inside, the 100-year-old antique bar was gone, as were the bar stools, leather couches and glassware.
“She tried to sell everything on Facebook,” Smalley said.
State police identified the woman as Samantha Brown of Kentucky. There is a warrant out for her arrest.
Meanwhile, the bed and breakfast has reopened with a new manager. Smalley said he believes he got it right this time.
“We’re very invested in making this as great as possible to convey the emotion you feel when you come here for other people,” said new manager Rachel. .
Sherry Bortz
