Woman Arrested For Defrauding Dozens In Real Estate Scam, 2 Accomplices On The Loose

HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) – Closing in on a real estate fraud case, one suspect at a time.  Sunday night, a wanted woman, accused of real estate fraud, turned herself in to Homestead Police.

Priscilla Marie Contreras is accused of defrauding dozens of people.  On Monday, the 32-year-old faced a judge, who said her main priority is making sure these victims get their money back.

"I hope she's able to repay the families lost so much in these scams.  I hope she's able to bring to light the other assailants and people who committed these crimes," said Kayla Vargas, a victim of the scam.

According to a Homestead detective, her counterparts, Yordani Diaz and Deinosar Bravo, are still at large and on the run.

In front of a judge Monday, an attorney for Contreras said the media's attention on this story and added pressure from her family led to Contreras turning herself in.

"She didn't try to flee, she didn't try to run.  She did the right thing, she turned herself in," said her attorney.

Victim's say Priscilla Contreras carried her 2-month-old baby on her hip as she pretended to be a real estate agent, showing houses and handing out fake contracts.

"The defendant rented these residences out to many, many people without any legal authority and took their money.  So now these folks are out thousands of dollars and have no place to live," explained prosecutors.

CBS4 knocked on Contreras' door Monday in Hollywood.  The crew heard people inside, but no one came to the door.

"They just moved in less than two weeks ago and I've seen them briefly one day," said Kelly Colon, a nearby neighbor.

Colon lives a few houses down from Priscilla Contreras.  She's hoping the accused scam artist moves out as quickly as she moved in.

Contreras is facing charges for grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and acting as a real estate agent without a license. The judge set her bond at $28,500.

"Plus, house arrest with a GPS monitor. You're going to have to wear an electronic bracelet. Level 2 house arrest," said Judge Mindy Glazer.

Victims told CBS4 there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.  For now, they're hopeful they'll get their money back.

"I assumed this was just going to be a recurring thing that they would just move around and continue to do it.  I'm really happy her family was able to convince her to do the right thing.  I applaud them because I know at times it's really difficult," said Vargas.

Contreras' attorney said she will be bonding out. After that, she'll be on house arrest until further notice.

Anyone with information on Diaz and Bravo should call Homestead Police at 305-247-1535 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.