Canadian Says Elmhurst Landlord Defrauded Him

ELMHURST, IL – For at least a year, a Canadian citizen has alleged that he was defrauded by an Elmhurst landlord.

In an interview with Patch, the man, John Patrick Zakhary, said he is out $40,000 for an apartment he rented for a couple of months.

He was in Elmhurst this week. On Thursday, he recorded a 19-minute video while at the police station and posted it on YouTube.

In the video, Zakhary met with an employee at the department's front desk. The person listened to Zakhary about the issue, but said no detectives were available at that time.

Zakhary told Patch he has been trying to speak with someone at the police department. He said he had a hard time entering the United States during the pandemic.

In a statement, city spokeswoman Kassondra Schref said Elmhurst police first met with Zakhary on June 4, 2021, almost exactly a year ago.

The department documented his "civil dispute" in a report, Schref said. It stemmed from an issue over a signed lease agreement with a local apartment complex, she said.

"Mr. Zakhary has been in contact with the Elmhurst Police Department over the last year through telephone and in-person conversations," Schref said.

The discussions have involved detectives, supervisors and police administration, Schref said. They provided him with specific guidance on the civil matter, she said.

"Disputes over lease contracts and rental payments are not criminal matters subject to criminal arrest and charges originating from the Elmhurst Police Department," Schref said.

Zakhary, she said, has been informed he may file a civil claim in DuPage County Court.