Crime & Safety

Woman Accused of Defrauding Prospective Santa Cruz Co. Home Renters Through Craigslist

BREAKING: Ann Howard was arrested after she allegedly took security deposits for Craigslist ads falsely listing houses for rent.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputy on Monday arrested a woman accused of defrauding would-be home renters over Craigslist, sheriff's officials said.

Ann Howard allegedly posted Craigslist ads falsely listing houses for rent and then obtained security deposits upfront from interested renters. The renters then ended up forfeiting the deposits because there was never a residence to rent, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's Deputy Damon Gutzwiller investigated the case for several months before arresting Howard on suspicion of grand theft, sheriff's officials said.

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By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.