Chandler couple arrested in scam-burglary scheme
Jul 13, 2012, 10:01 AM | Updated: 10:02 am
SADDLEBROOK, Ariz. — A Chandler couple posing as real estate agents has been arrested in Pinal County on burglary-related charges.
John Gaw, 43, a licensed real estate agent, and Deanna Gaw, 40, were booked Wednesday. They were found in possession of several women’s purses, clothing, a silver coin collection, jewelry, lock picks and latex gloves.
At least three homeowners fell victim to the couple, who would find a home for sale, call the owner pretending to have a client interested in the house, then request a viewing that required the house be unoccupied.
The latest intended victims became suspicious of the pair after they had agreed to a showing. When the Gaws arrived at the appointed time the next day, the homeowners were there to greet them. The Gaws left immediately. The homeowners then called Pinal County Sheriffs.
They weren’t the only ones to call. Several elderly home owners had called that morning to report their suspicions of a scam involving someone introducing herself as Carol Porter.
A patrol car spotted the Gaws’ dark-colored SUV, identified by witnesses, and stopped them.
John Gaw eventually admitted to the officer that they had taken the items in the vehicle from several homes that morning.
