Arrest Made in Vacant Home Rental Scheme

Alfonso Salazar, 62, was arrested Friday on suspicion of illegally renting out tens of vacant homes in Walnut Creek and around the county, District Attorney Mark Peterson announced in a news release Monday.

“It is estimated that there are over 20 victims who fell prey to this fraudulent rental scheme,” according to the district attorney’s office. Hercules, Brentwood, Antioch and Walnut Creek all had homes that were rented illegally.

Salazar, a Martinez resident, was arrested by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Investigations Unit on Friday on charges of grand theft, perjury and burglary. His bail is set at $180,000.

Salazar allegedly searched the county for vacant homes. When he found homes, he reportedly posted notes on the doors, claiming ownership of the houses unless someone objected, the release said. Locks were then changed and ads to rent the properties were placed on Craigslist, according to the district attorney's office.

“Thereafter, Salazar claimed the property was owned by ‘National Alliance of Homeowners for Justice.’ The innocent renters would receive a lease which claimed that ‘National Alliance of Homeowners for Justice’ was the lessor,” the release said.

The homes Salazar allegedly rented were valued from $742,000 to $215,000. The former Countrywide Mortgage real estate agent’s bank was frozen after arrest. It contained over $35,000 of “ill-gotten gains from unsuspecting rental victims,” according to the district attorney’s office.