ROCHESTER, Minn. — A 60-year-old woman is facing theft charges after allegedly accepting rent money for a Rochester property she had no legal right to lease.
Cara Lynn Schott was arrested on May 9 and charged with theft by swindling, according to court records.
The case came to light after a man told Rochester police on May 31 that he had been searching for rental housing online and found a promising listing. He communicated with two individuals, one of whom was later identified as Schott.
The man said he met with Schott in person on May 24, gave her a check for $1,600, and then wired her an additional $650 two days later, covering the first month’s rent and a security deposit.
However, after making the payments, the man contacted the listing agent and discovered that Schott did not own or have any legal right to lease the property.
According to court documents, Schott admitted to police that she knew she had no authority to rent the home, but still accepted and cashed the victim’s check.
Schott was released on $0 bail with conditions on June 10. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 29.
