ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando Realtor was arrested earlier this week after authorities said they found him standing in front of mailboxes outside an office building on Kirkman Road with lock-picking tools.
Police said they arrested Jae Hong about 1 a.m. with the burglary tools, a loaded handgun and some mail they believe he stole from the boxes.
The real estate broker talked to Channel 9, saying he's an innocent man and was set up after a disagreement with his former business partners in a company called Brennan Realty Group.
Authorities, however, said Hong is a suspect in four other cases involving fraud or theft. Those cases are related to stolen rent checks at the Orlo Vista Post Office.
Hong said off-camera that he used the tools to get into foreclosed homes he buys as part of his business, and believes he had the right to get the mail from the box after a former partner had the locks changed.
At his old office location, Channel 9's Jeff Deal saw the business uses a similar name, Brennan Real Estate Group, and the sign outside makes it clear renters should make their checks payable to the new name.
Hong insists he'll beat the charges.
"When this comes out, the truth will," he said. "Justice will serve itself. This is going to come out."
So far, Hong is not facing charges for the mail thefts, but police said they are still pursuing the cases.
If convicted, Hong would have 30 days to report to the state.
The Real Estate Commission could then discipline him with anything from a fine or reprimand to revoking his license.