An unlicensed Brooklyn real estate agent who on LinkedIn touted his ability to “broker alotta apartments” is in Rikers Island for allegedly having hoodwinked prospective renters out of more than $5,000 in security deposits.
Police arrested Quadir Lewis of Epic NYC Realty (not to be confused with Soho-based Epic Commercial Realty) last weekend, claiming he pocketed deposit money and had zero intention of renting apartments in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens.
Prosecutors said three different clients ended up giving Lewis more than $5,000 between August and March of this year.
It might be just the tip of the iceberg, according to Gothamist, which first reported the news. The NYPD said Lewis “has run this scam the past year (if not longer) and has financially hindered dozens of people.”
Lewis, who is not a licensed broker, is facing grand larceny and possession of stolen property charges. He could face up to four years in prison for each of the felony charges. His bail was set at $7,500.
Sources told Gothamist that Lewis had worked in the real estate industry prior to his stint at Epic and rumors of shady dealings had followed him.
Epic NYC Realty, whose website is no longer working, has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau. [Gothamist] — Dusica Sue Malesevic