Cops Hunt Florida Man Facing Felonies For Allegedly Hijacking Possession Of Vacant Home In Foreclosure, Then Pocketing Rent From Unwitting Tenant

In Palm Bay, Florida, WFTV-TV Channel 9 reports:

• A man is accused posing as a landlord and illegally renting properties that are in foreclosure, Palm Bay detectives said Monday. Detectives said they are searching for 50-year-old Dewey Moore, Jr. He faces felony charges involving burglary and grand theft. Judge David Silverman signed an arrest warrant last week that carries a $75,000 bond once served.

• Investigators said that on January 25, the owner of a property on Yager Street called police to remove squatters living in the home, which is in foreclosure. When officers arrived at the home, they said the people inside produced a written contract, stating they have been renting the property since October 2010 from Moore, who said he was the landlord for the owners.

• The residents also gave officers receipts, showing payments made directly to Moore every month since October. Investigators said the property owners did not know about Moore and did not authorize anyone to rent their vacant home.

• "He basically broke into the home, changed the locks and posed as a landlord," District Detective Mark Fell said. "Fortunately, we have been able to work with the property owner and the victims who will be able to continue to rent the property pending the foreclosure."

• Detectives believe Moore may have other properties in which he has illegally gained access to for the purpose of fraudulently renting. Anyone with information on Moore's location or with similar contact involving Moore should contact the Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Source: Cops: Fake Landlord Rented Out Foreclosed Homes.