Man accused of stealing rent payments from Charlotte apartments

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating after they said a man stole tens of thousands of dollars in rent payments from local apartments.

Officers said James Murray broke into leasing offices of at least 18 apartments all over Charlotte. Investigators told Channel 9 that Murray would break in around the time rent was due, and usually after midnight, stealing tenant rent payments in the form of money orders, checks and cash.

Police said Murray, 20, would then pay people to cash the money orders for him at check cashing businesses, some which they said he was already banned from.

“The apartment complexes never received the rent, so the individuals are going back and have receipts and get money back or come up with another set of rent because the company's never received it,” police said.

Since apartment complexes never received the payments, detectives said dozens of residents are now having to locate receipts or try and get their money back. Police told Channel 9 that they are working with apartments to change the way they accept rent payments.

Investigators want to know who helped Murray cash the money orders and if the stores involved followed proper protocol. They said more charges are likely.

Murray will face a judge Thursday.

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