ST. PAUL, Minn. — Ky Kao, previously exposed by KARE 11 Investigates for allegedly defrauding renters out of thousands of dollars, is now facing additional criminal charges while awaiting trial for his original offenses.
A convicted swindler with a criminal history spanning over 20 years, Kao is accused of running a rental scam in St. Paul. According to police, he rented the same house to multiple families, collecting large deposits before abruptly canceling leases and refusing refunds.
In May 2024, Kristen Kuhn and Michelle Summers paid Kao—who was using the alias “Keith”—nearly $8,000 in rent and deposits. Days before their scheduled move-in, Kao canceled the agreement. With their previous lease already ended, they were left scrambling for housing.
“It was very scary to think that was going to happen to us,” Kristen said.
Others reported similar experiences, including Ayan Mohamed, her brother Saeed, and the family of Marwaan Ali. Following KARE 11’s report and a police investigation, Ramsey County charged Kao with theft by swindle in December 2024. Authorities discovered total losses exceeding $26,000 and identified several more victims.
While on bail, Kao allegedly committed new crimes. In May 2025, Edina Police were contacted by Kao’s employer. Court documents say Kao was tasked with hiring a lawn care company but instead fabricated a company called “Scheels Lawn Service.” Over a month, he allegedly funneled $35,000 through this scheme. He was later arrested at a casino with nearly $1,000 in cash.
Adding to the frustration of his alleged victims, records show Kao sold the rental property involved in the scam for $210,000 in November 2024, yet provided no restitution.
More recently, in June 2025, Shakopee Police responded to an incident at Sam’s Club. A criminal complaint states Kao swapped a $4,799 diamond bracelet with a fake one while a clerk was distracted.
He remains free on bail and is scheduled to face trial for the original rental fraud case in September 2025.
