Alleged Florida Fraudster Nabbed In Costa Rica; Accused Of Running Lease To Own, Rent Skimming Scam That Left Would-Be Homeowners Out On The Street

In Lee County, Florida, WINK News reports:

• One of the alleged ring leaders of a major mortgage fraud scheme in Southwest Florida has been tracked down in Costa Rica. Erich Heckler allegedly fled Ft. Myers leaving behind 61 felony charges and a host of victims homeless and broke. Heckler is one of several suspects accused in a scheme that netted 3.8 million dollars in two years.

• Here's how it allegedly worked: Hopeful homeowners were leased properties to repair their credit scores and then offered the option to buy the properties at the end of a twelve month period. The only problem - the leasing company kept the rent for themselves, did not make the mortgage payments, sending the homes into foreclosure leaving victims without roofs over their heads. Heckler, the alleged ring leader, was arrested in the fall of 2007 in Lee County on 61 charges. He bonded out in December, and then vanished - failing to appear at a May 2008 court hearing. That's when he's believed to have moved to Costa Rica. Local authorities are working with law enforcement in Costa Rica where's Heckler is now in custody. He is awaiting extradition to the Lee County Jail.

Source: Lee County Fugitive Found.

For follow-up story, see Private investigator who caught Lee County fugitive talks to WINK News (Eric Heckler was on the run for over one year).

For original post on this story, see Florida Cops Arrest Alleged Ringleader In Mortgage Scam That Duped "Rent To Own" Tenants, Straw Buyers, Lenders. rent to own lease purchase option scams yellowstone