PITTSBURGH—A man Pittsburgh police describe as a "nationwide con man" has been jailed on charges that he ripped off five upscale hotels for free rooms and other services, and tried to do so at a sixth, by telling desk clerks a sob story about a stolen wallet.

Larry Raymond, 55, has no known permanent address, and online court records don't list an attorney for him.

Raymond came to town Aug. 17 and told a real estate agent he was looking for a downtown apartment or condominium, Det. Jack Mook told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ( http://bit.ly/PEGQgi).

Once here, he stayed at five upscale hotels by claiming his wallet was stolen and promising to pay later, each time producing a phony bank statement as proof that he had the financial means, police said. But Raymond left each hotel without paying and tried to do the same at a sixth hotel, but "became nervous and left the building" when a desk clerk at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel turned him away, according to a criminal complaint.

Police arrested Raymond on Wednesday about an hour after he checked into the Cambria Suites hotel, where he was located with the help of the real estate agent. She told police Raymond had claimed to be a wealthy retiree from Harrisburg who lost his wallet at a convenience store while trying to relocate to Pittsburgh.

Police first learned of Raymond from the security director of the Omni William Penn, who told police last week that he left without paying a $753 bill.

Mook eventually learned Raymond skipped out on a $360 bill at the Westin; a $792 tab for three nights at the Downtown DoubleTree; and $1,559 for five nights at the Mariott. That bill included meals in the lounge, gift shop purchases, laundry and even Starbucks coffee. He's also charged with scamming the Sheraton Station Square.

"He's a nationwide con artist," said Mook, referring to Raymond's criminal history that spans several states and decades for crimes including fraud, larceny and bad checks.

Raymond remained in the Allegheny County jail on Friday, unable to post $50,000 bond, and has a preliminary hearing Sept. 5 on charges including theft of services and theft by deception.

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Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com