Kennewick police help victim of real estate scam

Kennewick police used money from their community care fund this week to help a victim of a Kennewick real estate scheme that targeted foreclosed homes.

Police say Maggie G. Zieske, 32, and Steven “Nick” Hartmann, 28, would break into foreclosed homes and rent out the properties to unsuspecting victims.

The pair were arrested in November at a house on East Third Avenue and are facing residential burglary charges.

The victims were out thousands of dollars, said police.

One victim was unable to pay his electrical bill because of the financial hardship and had his electricity turned off.

The Kennewick Police Community Care Fund helped pay his past due balance so his power can be restored for his wife and children, said police.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can do so by visiting www.kpdfoundation.org.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 7:22 PM with the headline "Kennewick police help victim of real estate scam."