NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The NYPD is investigating allegations that a veteran officer is scamming potential renters out of cash by posing as the landlord of the Queens apartment that he rents.
Officer Burbran Pierre is accused of advertising his own basement apartment in Ozone Park on Craigslist, where he collected $2,800 in security deposits and other move-in fees from would-be renters who responded to the ad over a four-month window, according to a report in the Daily News.
Frustrated victims complained to the News that they signed leases and paid the money upfront — only to find out from the cop’s neighbors when they arrived that it was an elaborate ruse.
Pierre made more than $128,000 as an officer last year, according to public data.
The NYPD confirmed the investigation to 1010 WINS Sunday.
“The matter is under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau,” an NYPD spokesman said. “The officer’s current duty status is modified.”