db:sentenc.pr                97-164          Contact:  Donna  Bigler, (301) 217-6537
                                                  (Consumer Affairs) Debbie Koss, (301) 217-7346          
                              
                                                                  
UNSCRUPULOUS MOVER
SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM FINES,
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND PROBATION                  FOR  RELEASE:  May 27, 1997



     Affordable Moving Company owner Mark Edward Prostel of Silver Spring was sentenced last
week to pay maximum fines, court fees and, in one case, restitution to a victim following Prostel's
conviction of theft charges stemming from unscrupulous moving practices -- including holding
consumers' personal and household goods hostage.  He was ordered to return the goods to his victims
and, for each case, to pay the maximum fine of $500 and $50 in court fees.  Prostel was also ordered
to pay restitution to one of the victims for financial loss, and he is required to serve 100 hours of
community service and 24 months probation.
      Prostel, who also spells his name Proestel, uses several other business names including: A
Affordable Moving and Storage, Alliance Moving and Storage, Affordable Movers, and A All Jobs
Moving and Hauling.
     "Montgomery County does not tolerate unscrupulous business practices, and this sentencing
clearly reflects that," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "Our citizens deserve to be treated
fairly and our businesses deserve to compete in an environment where business practices are above-
board."
                                  (more)

UNSCRUPULOUS MOVER SENTENCED                                                    2-2-2-2

     This week's sentencing follows an investigation by the Montgomery County Division of
Consumer Affairs (DCA) of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the filing of
criminal theft charges by two of Prostel's customers.  Both cases involved consumers contracting
with Prostel to move household goods.  Disputes arose during the moves and the movers transported
the consumers' goods to an undisclosed location, refusing to return the goods until excessive
additional charges and storage costs were paid.  DCA's investigation revealed a pattern of practice
where Prostel held consumers' goods hostage to compel payment of inflated charges. 
     "I urge anyone who is planning a move to take precautions when hiring a moving company,"
said Elizabeth Davison, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs.  "Plan as far
in advance as possible, ask friends for recommendations, be sure to check the mover's complaint
records, and never conclude that a company is reliable because it has a large advertisement.  Get
everything in writing, including the mover's liability in case of breakage or loss.  Consider buying
additional full replacement insurance to cover loss or damage."
       Complaint records can be checked with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs'
Division of Consumer Affairs by calling 301-217-7373, or by calling the Better Business Bureau at
202-393-8000.  Consumer Affairs also offers consumers a publication entitled "It's Your Move" that
includes helpful advice to avoid unscrupulous movers. 

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