Salinas man poses as landlord, collects rent money from several victims

A Salinas man was arrested for posing as a landlord and collecting rent money from several people in the city.

According to police, Gabriel Castillo posted a Craigslist ad for a rental home in the 400 block of Tudor Way. Investigators said Castillo was a former renter of the residence.

“Castillo would contact interested parties via Craigslist email, and would then engage in text message and telephone conversations with the victims,” The Salinas Police Department said in a written statement.

Castillo reportedly walked the victims through the home and requested a deposit along with half of the first month’s rent. Police said he collected deposits from multiple victims, who were not able to move into the home because Castillo was not the owner.

Castillo was arrested and charged with multiple counts of grand theft.

“Please use caution when replying to rental ads and do research on the residence prior to handing over any funds,” said Salinas police.

The department asks anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to call Officer Solis at 831-759-7090.