Crime & Safety
Man Charged in Craigslist Rental Scam
He offered a room for rent in his home, but then disappeared with depositors' money, police say.
A 26-year-old Sayville man was arrested on Wednesday and charged in rental scam that has been going on for the past several months, police said.
According to police, Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers Tracey Barry and John McGay initiated an investigation following numerous complaints regarding Joseph Fernandez, who had posted advertisements on Craigslist to rent a room in his home at 139 Broadway.
After accepting deposits, Fernandez refused to answer calls or visits from potential renters, police said.
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Officers Barry and McGay arrested Fernandez on Dec. 2 and charged him with five counts of petty larceny, two counts of fourth degree grand larceny, first degree scheme to defraud and resisting arrest.
Fernandez was arrested in a similar scam in September, police said. In total, Fernandez is accused of stealing more than $11,000 from 16 victims.
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Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Fernandez and has not spoken with police to call the Fifth Precinct Crime Section at 631-854-8527.
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