According to the reporting party, a female had called the previous day and identified herself as Carol Porter, a real estate agent from Chandler who was going to be in the area and had clients who wanted to view their home which was currently listed for sale.
The real estate agent requested the home owners leave the residence for several hours and they agreed. But after calling their own real estate agent, the owners learned the name Carol Porter did not show as a licensed real estate agent in the Chandler area.
Concerned over what they’d learned, the home owners stayed in their home the following day. At 2:30 p.m., a woman, identified as Deanna Gaw, 40 of Chandler and John Gaw, 43, of Chandler arrived at the home.
The owners opened the door, which startled the Gaw’s. Deanna Gaw identified herself as the real estate agent, Carol Porter and apologized for arriving while the owners were there. The Gaw’s said they would come back later and both got into a dark colored SUV with Nevada plates and left.
Based on the way the Gaw’s were dressed and their behavior, the owners called PCSO to report the suspicious activity. Several elderly home owners had called dispatch earlier that morning to report what they believed was a scam involving a person who identified herself as Carol Porter.
A PCSO patrol deputy responded, was able to locate the suspect’s vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on westbound Saddlebrooke Blvd.
The deputy made contact with Deanna Gaw, who was driving the SUV. John Gaw identified himself as a real estate agent and indicated both were in the area to look at homes to buy. (It should be noted Mr. Gaw is a licensed real estate agent.)
The deputy noticed several items in the back seat of the vehicle, including a number of women’s hand bags and clothing. Deanna Gaw claimed they belonged to her.
When John Gaw was asked to exit the vehicle and complied, the deputy observed surgical gloves on the floor board, next to a silver collector coin.
When asked about the gloves, Mr. Gaw replied, “You got me.” It was at that point Mr. Gaw admitted the couple had taken items from several homes that morning.
A search of Mr. Gaw’s pockets turned up jewelry, a lock pick and more latex gloves.
Both Gaw’s were arrested and booked into the PCSO Adult Detention center on charges related to the burglaries.
“I’m proud of our deputy who was on the lookout for the suspect vehicle, made the traffic stop and asked thorough questions to get the suspects to come clean,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Numerous scams and crimes target our seniors. We shall work extra hard to protect our seniors and bring these criminals to justice.”
To date, PCSO detectives have identified three victims in this case, all elderly. We encourage anyone who feels they were a victim in this scam to please contact the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office at (520) 866‐5111.
