The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Tampa Regional Operations Center, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and United States Postal Inspector’s Office announce the arrest of two individuals as part of a real estate scam that spanned at least five Florida counties over the past three years. Agents arrested Chris McDonald, 47, of Plant City, and Demetrius Lewis, 37, of Land O’Lakes. Both were charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud.
“McDonald and Lewis took advantage of everyday citizens who were simply looking for an affordable home to rent,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “This was a shameless scam, doomed from the beginning.”
“Capitalizing on a distressed housing market to defraud homeowners and renters in an illegal real estate scheme is shameful,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I applaud the law enforcement officers for their commitment to identifying and arresting these lawbreakers.”
Investigators allege that between December 2008 and May 2011, McDonald and Lewis identified properties that were for sale, in default or some stage of foreclosure. Without the knowledge or consent of the property owners, the suspects accessed the vacant residences, changed the locks and subsequently rented out the properties. The tenants, who were led to believe they were participating in a “lease to own” program, would then make a deposit, move in to the property, and begin monthly payments to McDonald and Lewis. The lawful property owners would soon become aware of the unauthorized tenants and contact law enforcement to have them removed.
McDonald owned a company named Chateau-Lan Property Solutions, and Lewis owned a company named Help is Here Foreclosure Prevention and Credit Repair. The two promoted their services through word of mouth and online advertising sites. The properties involved were located in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties.
McDonald was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and Lewis was booked into the Pasco County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Authorities believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or FDLE Special Agent Krystyl Watson at 813-878-7300.
For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Keith Kameg or Kristi Gordon
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001
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