Being charged with burglary and theft is not something to be taken lightly. It doesn’t matter if there doesn’t seem to be a victim in the case; funds that have been received through apparently illicit means are cause enough for charges to be filed. This is what one many in North Jersey is finding out regarding an alleged property rental scam in Linden.
According to police, the man was wanted for posing as a homeowner in Linden, and renting a property that he did not own. According to officials, the man somehow gained access to the house, which had a recent foreclosure done on it,and was able to change the locks on the property. The man put a “for rent” sign in the window with a phone number.
At some point, a couple saw the sign and called the number to inquire about the property. The man met with them and they signed a lease agreement on the single-family house. The couple also gave the man several thousand dollars to cover the rent and fees, police say.
Not long after this, the rightful owner of the home, who lives out of state, came by to check on the property. She was understandably surprised to find it occupied, since she had nothing to do with it being rented. The couple living there told her what had happened, and the homeowner called police.
It remains to be seen what will happen with the man and his case, but many people who have been charged in burglary or theft cases often consult with an attorney.
Source: The Star-Ledger, “NJ man made $6K renting out Linden house he didn’t even own, police say,” Tom Wright-Piersanti, April 2, 2014
