Washington Man Swapped Furniture While Neighbors Were Away

TACOMA, Wash. — A Washington state man is accused of swapping furniture with his neighbors while they were away.

The News Tribune reports the Lakewood man and a friend who is accused of helping him pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of residential burglary.

Court papers say a couple who returned to their apartment Monday found their love seat, matching chair and other belongings gone. A recliner and TV stand were left in their place.

Information on a traffic ticket and pizza receipt pointed to the neighbor.

The man told police he thought the couple had moved and abandoned their furniture. Police say he told them he was drunk when he decided to switch furniture, calling his buddy for help.