Man stole thousands in landlord fraud

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Norwich man was arrested after stealing thousands of dollars from would-be tenants for residences that weren't actually available.

Norwich businessman Zane Megos tried to avoid News 8's camera and questions as he left New London Superior Court after posting a $16,000 bond, some of which may be used to pay back some alleged victims.

"Mr. Megos, can we speak with you," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"No, I'm sorry," Megos said.

"We understand the bond helped pay for restitution," Detelj said.

Megos is accused of taking deposits from people for apartments and houses in Norwich which weren't available.

In one case a woman tells police she gave Megos $7,550 for a rent-to-own arrangement at a Burton Avenue house in 2009. He even gave her a receipt, but after a year of excuses she realized she'd been scammed.

She was just one of several people who eventually went to police.

Already there are six arrest warrants against Megos. Each one describing how he took thousands of dollars in deposits to rent an apartment or buy a home, but never closed the deals.

Instead, victims say there were excuses and false promises, and now there are several larceny charges against the 55-year-old.

News 8 has learned there may be more charges to come.