Fake landlord charged with scamming Polish immigrants

A 29-year-old man is in custody, charged with taking deposits from Polish immigrants for fake rental agreements, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said today.

According to Cook County Sheriff's Police, Ronald Pierzowski, of Renton, Wash., posed as the property owner, landlord or as the agent of the property owner for a condominium in the 9900 block of Holly Lane in unincorporated Des Plaines.

Investigators say Pierzowski placed classified ads in a Polish language newspaper advertising apartments for rent. Between Feb. 14 and Feb. 23, he showed that condominium to at least three people, presented them with fraudulent leases and accepted more than $500 from each of the victims as deposits, police say.

He did not own that property nor was he an agent for the property owner, police say. He was arrested March 14.

Pierzowski has been charged with criminal trespass to real property and theft by deception. His bond was set at $10,000 bond during a court appearance on Saturday, and his next scheduled court date is March 20 at the Skokie courthouse.

Detectives believe there may have been more victims. Any person who may have been a victim is asked to call (708) 865-4896.