Fake landlord scams several out of rent

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Greenfield man is behind bars accused of executing an elaborate scam that spanned three counties.

Police say Richard Swoveland plotted the perfect plan. He would advertise homes for rent, take people's deposit and first month’s rent, then disappear. His victims were left angry, embarrassed and in some cases, homeless.

Sheila Newton blames herself for having fallen victim to the creative Craigslist crook.

"I feel stupid because I let it happen and this is not the kind of thing that would happen to me normally," said Newton

Police say Swoveland used the popular Web site to advertise homes for rent. When Newton spotted a three bedroom home on Craigslist in her price range, she called Swoveland, who she says was using an alias.

"We got up to the door. He opened up the lock box. He got out the key. He opened up the door. He had already told me everything that was wrong with the house before we got in here," said Newton.

What she didn't know is that Swoveland, 38, is a former real estate agent. Police believe that may be how he got a HUD master key, which he used to get into HUD homes up for sale.

"He had the lease in his hands. He looked legitimate," said Newton.

She gave him $1,500 for her deposit and first month's rent, then she moved in. She learned that she had been scammed when police showed up at her door days later. Detectives told her that she wasn't the first victim.

Police say Swoveland has conducted the same scam several times. There are at least five victims in Marion County and one victim in Hancock County.

When Swoveland tried the scam in Hamilton County, that victim got suspicious and called police -- that's when Swoveland got caught.

But that's little consolation for Newton, who is living out of boxes, having lost money, a place to live and peace of mind.

IMPD investigators confirm Richard Swoveland is charged with 15 counts of forgery and theft in Marion County alone. He's already pleaded guilty in Hamilton County. His wife, Angela, faces theft charges.