Sayville, NY - December 3, 2015 - Suffolk County Police have arrested a Sayville man for a rental scam that occurred during the past several months.

Fifth Precinct Crime Section Officers Tracey Barry and John McGay initiated an investigation following numerous complaints regarding a man who posted advertisements on Craigslist to rent a room in his home. After accepting deposits, the man refused to answer calls or visits from potential renters.

Joseph Fernandez was arrested by Officers Barry and McGay on December 2 and charged with five counts of Petit Larceny, two counts of Grand Larceny 4^th Degree, Scheme to Defraud 1^st Degree and Resisting Arrest.

Fernandez, 26, of Sayville, is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on December 4.

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Fernandez and has not spoken with police to call the Fifth Precinct Crime Section at 631-854-8527.

Suffolk County Police arrested Fernandez in September for a similar scam. In total, Fernandez stole more than $11,000 from 16 victims.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.