WV Woman Gets Bagged For Allegedly Pocketing $1,600 From Each Of Two Prospective Tenants In Rent Scam; Suspect Accused Of Using Craigslist Postings To Reel In & Fleece Unsuspecting Victims

In Martinsburg, Weat Virgina, The Journal reports:

• A Falling Waters woman was arraigned [] on two felony counts of obtaining money by false pretenses for renting a townhouse to different people, but not letting them move in.
  
  Rebecca Denise Fauble, 40, of 18 Appalachian Court was being held in the Eastern Regional Jail on $30,000 cash bond. Berkeley County Sheriff's Cpl. Timothy A. Sherman investigated the case.
  
  According to Sherman's report, Franklin and Christel Beachley contacted Fauble Dec. 21 through a Craigslist posting about a three-bedroom, four-bath townhouse at 18 Appalachian Court for rent for $800. The Beachleys met with Fauble at 5:30 p.m. that day to look at the residence. The Beachleys signed a one-year lease for the residence starting Jan. 1. They wrote Fauble a personal check for $1,600 - $800 for the first month's rent and $800 for a security deposit - and gave it to her directly.
  
  On Dec. 22, police say, Christel Beachley contacted the water and sewer company and paid $140 for service.
  
  Christel Beachley told police that she spoke to Fauble several times after Dec. 22 about moving into the townhouse and received several different stories about why she could no move in yet.
  
  On Jan. 3, police say, the Beachleys went to the residence and contacted Fauble, confronting her about moving in. Fauble gave them a key to the front door and mailbox and told the Beachleys they could begin to move in.
  
  On Jan. 4, police say, the Beachleys went to the residence. They found the locks had been changed and they could not get into the townhouse. Christel Beachley also told police that she went to Berkeley County Magistrate Court that day and filed a civil suit, costing her $110.
  
  "At this point, Christel and Franklin are out $1,850," according to the police report.
  
  The Beachleys could not reach Fauble. They contacted Sherman Jan. 8.
  
  On Jan. 6, police say, Sherman was contacted by Sidney Kearnes, who told him that on Dec. 29, she contacted Fauble through a Craigslist posting about a three-bedroom, four-bath townhouse at 18 Appalachian Court for rent for $800. Kearnes met Fauble at the residence that evening to look at the townhouse. Kearnes wrote a personal check for $1,600 - $800 for the first month's rent and $800 security deposit - and gave it to Fauble directly.
  
  On Dec. 30, police say, Fauble mailed a rental lease agreement to Kearnes, but nothing was filled out on the lease. Kearnes then tried to call Fauble and emailed her, but got no response. Kearnes left a message for her to not cash the check until they had a signed lease. After not getting any response, police say, Kearnes checked her bank and found that Fauble had already cashed the check. Kearnes was not able to reach Fauble. Fauble did not respond to any messages.
  
  ***
  Fauble could face up to 20 years in prison or two years in jail and $5,000 in fines if convicted on both felony charges.

Source: Woman tries to rent townhouse to different tenants.