Ormond Beach police said they have arrested a man who tried to rent a home he didn't own to an unsuspecting couple.
"It just didn't seem right, and for the price, it just threw up a flag," said neighbor Michael Shorter.
Shorter said when he saw a disabled couple moving into the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house Tuesday morning he knew right away it was a scam.
"So I called the owner and she didn't know anything about it being rented," said Shorter.
The owner of the home, which is in foreclosure, then called Ormond Beach police, who set up a sting.
When Ronald Hall, the man claiming to be the landlord, showed up to collect $700 in rent, plus a $1,200 cash deposit police moved in.
"Then they swarmed in and arrested him," said Shorter.
The couple who expected to move into the house had paid a $100 deposit to connect water, and the electricity was about to be turned on.
Shorter said he's just happy the family didn't lose more money.
"I don't like to be called nosy, but I like to look out for my neighbors," said Shorter.
Investigators said they are checking other jurisdictions to see if the Hall is connected to other similar activity.
Hall is in jail charged with burglary and grand theft, both are felonies. He is also charged with possession of marijuana. Investigators said more charges could be added.
"It just didn't seem right, and for the price, it just threw up a flag," said neighbor Michael Shorter.
Shorter said when he saw a disabled couple moving into the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house Tuesday morning he knew right away it was a scam.
"So I called the owner and she didn't know anything about it being rented," said Shorter.
The owner of the home, which is in foreclosure, then called Ormond Beach police, who set up a sting.
When Ronald Hall, the man claiming to be the landlord, showed up to collect $700 in rent, plus a $1,200 cash deposit police moved in.
"Then they swarmed in and arrested him," said Shorter.
The couple who expected to move into the house had paid a $100 deposit to connect water, and the electricity was about to be turned on.
Shorter said he's just happy the family didn't lose more money.
"I don't like to be called nosy, but I like to look out for my neighbors," said Shorter.
Investigators said they are checking other jurisdictions to see if the Hall is connected to other similar activity.
Hall is in jail charged with burglary and grand theft, both are felonies. He is also charged with possession of marijuana. Investigators said more charges could be added.
WFTV
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