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Landlord steals tenant’s stuff and offers to return them for cash

Cameras recorded the landlord making a hasty retreat from the property with the goods.

A woman was shocked to be robbed by her own landlord who then tried to extort her for money. Police were called to the home on a report of a burglary.

The victim, Claudia Pimentel, and her male roommate were renting a home from 34-year-old Valentina Zaeta. The man was home when he heard someone come in.

After a few minutes, he heard the front door being slammed shut.

Clean pair of heels

He went to Pimentel’s room to check if she was home, but she was not there and her computer was missing. The man quickly went to the window and saw their landlord leaving the property.

He called Pimentel and she called the police. Surveillance videos from a nearby business showed the landlord and a female accomplice using a key to enter the home empty-handed.

Moments later, they came outside with a suitcase, computer, and purse. While detectives were investigating the crime, Zaeta called her tenant and offered to sell her the stolen goods in exchange for cash.

Not defaulted

Pimentel said that she was never late in paying her rent since she moved in 6 months ago.

The missing items include the laptop, a Louis Vuitton bag, a Michael Kors wallet, the tenant’s Social Security card, four credit cards, and cash.

Pimentel did not go back to her home because she does not feel safe.

Zaeta was arrested for unlawfully entering the home and for the theft.

However, Zaeta may be facing bigger problems as she is in the country illegally and she is being held on an immigration detainer.

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