A Georgia man allegedly posed as his missing brother to sell his sibling’s house, fooling real estate agents, homebuyers and neighbors in the process.
Kenneth Lee Harris is accused of using Ted Harris’s identity to list the residence in Powder Springs, Ga., for sale at $199,000, WSB-TV reported, citing an arrest warrant.
The suspected impersonator, 62, finalized the sale of the three-bedroom estate on April 7, agreeing to a reduced price of $185,000, according to the outlet.
Ted Harris’ relatives grew suspicious of his whereabouts after learning his home had been sold three days later on April 10.
Ted Harris’ family has not heard from him since January, but claims it was not uncommon for him to go several months without being heard from.
A missing person report was filed for Ted Harris after his family learned about the home sale, WSB-TV reported.
With his brother not home, Kenneth Harris allegedly posed as Ted, convincing both the home buyers and real estate agents he was his sibling, even showing off Ted Harris’ driver’s license during sale talks.
Neighbors claim they were tricked by Kenneth Harris because the siblings look alike and the alleged fraudster kept to himself.
“I thought his brother was him. They look a lot alike. I thought that was him,” neighbor Julia Davis told the outlet.
Residents were only thrown off after professional landscape workers began showing up to maintain the yard, something Ted Harris prided doing himself.
Along with the oddity in lawn care, neighbors also noticed a “for sale” sign that was erected in the yard and quickly removed before the sale.
Officials did not reveal if the home sale was voided after the fraud revelation.
Kenneth Harris was arrested and charged with identity theft fraud and residential mortgage fraud.
He is being held in Cobb County Jail without bond.
Authorities haven’t shared if Ted Harris had been found or when his last known sighting was.
No charges have been filed for his disappearance.
Read the full article here
