WHITE PLAINS – A Thornwood
man has been arraigned on charges related to a rent scam targeting the
immigrant community and others in Northern Westchester County.
Jeffrey Pena, 43, was charged with eight felony counts of scheme to defraud.
It is alleged that Pena posted handwritten flyers in local businesses
or told people he had an apartment available to rent. He asked for rent
money up front. According to the complaints, Pena took between $1,700
and $3,600 from his victims and then never rented apartments to them.
The incidents took place between May 2017 and July 2018.
Pena surrendered to Mount Pleasant Police on Thursday. Bail was set at
$2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.
He was released on bail and ordered to surrender his passport.
