TYLER, Texas — The Tyler Police Department says a woman reportedly responsible for stealing the rent money of apartment complex tenants is on the run.
According to TPD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, Sedona Francis, 24, who officials say took renters' money while working at The Residences at Earl Campbell but never turned the money over to the complex, is on the lam.
In August, CBS19 investigated complaints at the apartment complex regarding the leasing office issuing three-day eviction notices to 75% of the residents.
Renters said the issues began when their leasing agent, identified as Francis, sent them a special offer -- half off their rent if they paid through her. Excited and relieved to be getting a discount, several residents took advantage of the offer.
"She assured me that I will get a receipt and that I can go into my portal and see that she had paid the amount," one tenant said.
But things took a turn two weeks later after residents said they were hit with a double rent payment and a notice they never paid.
"I was trying to pay the balance. Later on, they told me that my portal was locked, and I couldn't pay my rent," the tenant said.
Smith County Pct. 1 Constable Ralph Caraway said it's an unusual situation.
"By law, the tenant doesn't have to leave. It's just something to let the tenant know that the property manager or the property owner is going to follow through with an eviction process," Caraway said.
Complicating matters further, the eviction notice stated the tenants facing eviction violated their lease by committing fraud or theft.
But the residents said they’re actually the victims here. They filed a police report against the leasing Francis, who was reportedly fired.
Tyler police say this investigation is still ongoing.