By paNOW Staff

Alleged Kijiji scammer arrested in Regina

May 16, 2013 | 5:16 PM

After getting breakthrough tip in the case, Regina police have arrested the man wanted in connection to a major rental scam that left more than two dozen people out $1,100 each last month.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Jason Hartlen’s arrest after he is said to have convinced 25 hopeful Saskatoon renters to give him a damage deposit for a rental property he didn’t own.

Hartlen is also wanted for fraud charges in British Columbia and Alberta.

Staff Sergeant Keith Briant said the arrest was made following a major break in the case.

Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, Saskatoon police got a call from a woman who works at Casino Regina saying she saw Hartlen at a Regina store and asked him where he was staying. She recognized Hartlen because she had given him a place to stay in Regina in the past.

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Briant said the woman gave police the address. He added that police also received an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers that said Hartlen was spotted in Regina; further strengthening their suspicion that he was in the Queen city.

Of the 25 files, 14 have been investigated and 17 fraud charges have been laid so far, with more likely to come.

“Sometimes there’s one person paying the $1,100, sometimes there’s two people paying,” said Briant.

Hartlen will remain in Regina Police custody over the weekend and will appear in Saskatoon Provincial court early next week.

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