‘King Of Con’ Lands 2-1/3 Years In Rent Scam Hoodwinked Tenants Put Money Down On Kent Apartment

A man who posed as a landlord and took thousands of dollars from would-be tenants has been sentenced to 28 months in prison, followed by community service.

Albert K. Smith, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to six counts of second-degree theft, was sentenced Wednesday by King County Superior Court Judge Jeanette Burrage. She rejected Smith’s request to serve time in a work-ethic camp, which could have reduced his sentence by half. He will serve at least 19 months under the sentence imposed.

Smith apologized in court.

But his victims, who told their stories at his sentencing, worry that he will cheat others when he is released. Police say his felony record includes a similar scam in Des Moines a few years ago.

“It seems like he has delusions of being the ‘king of con,”’ said Jesse Kincaid, who tried to rent an apartment in Kent from Smith, who was merely the unit’s tenant. Kincaid and his wife and daughter lost their $575 deposit.

Smith took $575 in cash from at least four victims in August, and police say there may have been others who did not come forward.

According to court records, Smith rented an apartment in Des Moines - it belonged to his girlfriend’s parents - to at least six people. When would-be renters showed up on May, ready to move in, the real owners were completely surprised.

Some victims paid him as much as $1,600 in cash.