ORLANDO, Fla. — As police search for a rent check thief, some families are facing eviction if they don't come up with double their rent this month.
Police said the man stole 62 checks and money orders so far this year, four of which went missing from Watauga Woods Apartments' deposit box last month.
If residents aren't able to make up for the stolen money, they could be evicted.
"If they go ahead and continue this, pretty much, I'm on the streets with a one-year-old," Bianca Depena said.
Depena said she's always paid rent on time, but was shocked to see a notice demanding her $747 in rent plus late fees, bringing her balance to $800.
"I can't afford $1,500 out of the $2,000 that I make a month," Depena said.
The complex is for low income families and Depena said it's an expense none of her neighbors can afford.
Depena said she wants police to find the man who has been cashing the checks.
"He's affecting families. He's really hurting people. People will be out on the streets if this continues," Depena said.
Depena said she's asked the complex to have compassion and that she made her payment in the middle of the work day.
The complex would not comment on why Depena's money order stayed in the deposit box overnight, which allowed the man to steal it.
"Why should I (pay the money) if I've already paid my rent. I already paid (the complex) the money," Depena said.
Depena and her neighbors have until Thursday to pay their rent and she said they just don't have the extra money to do that. Legal aid can't help them because they live in government housing.