SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) _ Authorities are charging a central New York auctioneer with grand larceny, saying he owes a customer more than $19,000.

Timothy Conroy of Elbridge already faces a civil action filed by the state attorney general's office seeking nearly $400,000 related to problems with his auction businesses, TW Conroy and Associates and My Sister the Lister.

In April, Conroy agreed to pay $150,000 to settle past consumer complaints against his company.

Conroy denies the charge and says he didn't cheat anyone.

If convicted of grand larceny, Conroy could face up to seven years in state prison. He's currently free without bail.

State prosecutors are due in court Dec. 16. They want Conroy to post a $500,000 performance bond before he handles any more auctions.

According to the company's Web site, TW Conroy & Associates, LLC grew from roots in the Conroy family antiques and appraisal business, which was founded more than 40 years ago. On January 1, 1994, the business was incorporated as T.W. Conroy & Associates, Inc.

Information from: The Syracuse Post-Standard, www.syracuse.com

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