A Georgia man is under scrutiny for allegedly masquerading as his missing brother in order to sell his sibling’s home, deceiving real estate professionals, potential buyers, and neighbors along the way.
According to WSB-TV and an arrest warrant, Kenneth Lee Harris is accused of assuming the identity of his brother, Ted Harris, to list a property in Powder Springs, Georgia, for sale at $199,000.
The 62-year-old suspect reportedly completed the sale of the three-bedroom home on April 7, settling on a reduced price of $185,000, as detailed by the news outlet.
Family members of Ted Harris became suspicious of his absence after discovering that his home had been sold just a few days later, on April 10.
Although Ted Harris had not been in contact with his family since January, it was not unusual for him to go months without communication, according to his relatives.
Concerned for his well-being, the family filed a missing person report for Ted Harris upon learning about the unauthorized home sale, as reported by WSB-TV.
With his brother not home, Kenneth Harris allegedly posed as Ted, convincing both the home buyers and real estate agents he was his sibling, even showing off Ted Harris’ driver’s license during sale talks.
Neighbors claim they were tricked by Kenneth Harris because the siblings look alike and the alleged fraudster kept to himself.
“I thought his brother was him. They look a lot alike. I thought that was him,” neighbor Julia Davis told the outlet.
Residents were only thrown off after professional landscape workers began showing up to maintain the yard, something Ted Harris prided doing himself.
Along with the oddity in lawn care, neighbors also noticed a “for sale” sign that was erected in the yard and quickly removed before the sale.
Officials did not reveal if the home sale was voided after the fraud revelation.
Kenneth Harris was arrested and charged with identity theft fraud and residential mortgage fraud.
He is being held in Cobb County Jail without bond.
Authorities haven’t shared if Ted Harris had been found or when his last known sighting was.
No charges have been filed for his disappearance.
