A woman accused of using Craigslist pleaded guilty last week to attempted theft and burglary.
Michelle Nicole Copeland, 39, was arrested in September after police were tipped off to her scam by those who lived near the home.
Copeland was initially charged in Jefferson County with 10 counts in the case, the majority of which were dismissed by prosecutors when she entered the guilty plea, court records show.
Wheat Ridge police say neighbors knew the home was in the process of being foreclosed and had been empty for quite some time when they called police to report people had moved in.
An investigation revealed the family who was living in the house found it through a Craigslist ad in the site’s “For Rent” section.
The victims told police they had met with Copeland, who was using the alias Lisa Sandoval, and negotiated lease terms for the home.
“The victim paid cash for the first month’s rent and deposit,” the release said. “The police department determined that Copeland did not represent the homeowner and had no authority to rent the residence.”
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
