'Scrap King' Headed to Court Over Series of Theft Charges

The case of the State of Maryland versus Michael Conti of Cape St. Claire will be decided by a jury in October.

The state filed the suit against Conti in June, following a series of theft charges including two counts of fourth-degree burglary, one count of second-degree burglary, two counts of theft of under $10,000 and malicious destruction of property valued at more than $500.

The criminal jury trial is set to begin on Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

The Cape St. Claire Improvement Association has a separate lawsuit against Conti, calling for injunctive relief after its members claim he has violated the community's bylaws in operating a scrap business in his yard.

"Conti is violating the covenants that bind the property by collecting a massive amount of scrap metal, trash and refuse on his property that fills his driveway, front yard, side yards and back yard. Further, that Conti is operating a scrap metal business from his property, which includes the storing, cutting and sorting of items for sale," according to the complaint.

Conti told Patch that he collects pieces of scrap from various places around the county and sells them. He said he has been preparing for a massive yard sale since August. On his business cards, Conti refers to himself as Mike the Scrap King, with the slogan—“Beautifying AACO one yard at a time." 

In August, a documentary crew working on a series called House Wars interviewed Conti and his neighbors over the condition of his yard. The episode has not yet been scheduled to air.

See also:

• Cops Nab Burglary Suspect in Arnold