Suspected Fake Landlord Arrested; Good Samaritan Helps Widowed Mom Who Was Scammed

We have new developments in a story we brought you last week.

Kimberly Mayfield rented a house from a man who she learned didn't own the house.

She was out $750 in rent plus her utility deposits.

After the story aired, a viewer called News On 6 with the man's identity, which led to his arrest.

A second viewer sent us $1,000 to give to Mayfield so she could find a new place to live.

11/05/13 Related Story: Widowed Tulsa Mom Victim Of Craigslist House Rental Scam

Mayfield saw an ad for the house on Craigslist and paid a man she knew only as Brett.

She soon learned his name was actually Sean and that he didn't own the house. It was in foreclosure and she had to be out in 48 hours.

Mayfield lost her 10-year-old daughter to an asthma attack, then her husband died last year. She works two jobs to support her family so this scam really hurts.

After our story, the bank told her she didn't have to be out of the house immediately and another viewer called and gave me the suspect's name based on Kimberly's description.

Police connected the dots and after Kimberly picked him out of a photo lineup, detectives arrested Sean Hawks.

Reporter: "Did you scam Kimberly Mayfield out of money? Did you rent her a house? Do you have anything to say on your behalf?"
Sean Hawks: "I didn't do it."

Records show Hawks has a 1996 misdemeanor conviction in Tulsa County for obtaining money by false pretense.

He has a current warrant out of Rogers County for the same thing. He also has an active warrant in Nowata County for child support and one in Wagoner County for a bogus check charge.

"This guy has done this to someone else before, and I don't want it to happen to anyone else," Mayfield said.

She said it's been a rough situation, but she's grateful for the generous people who helped her get justice.

Mayfield: "Thank you. I really, really, really appreciate it. It'll help me and my family so much."
Reporter: "There's a lot to be thankful for right before Thanksgiving."
Mayfield: "Yes, it's not the best situation, but we'll make the best of it."