Cops Say Mom And Two Daughters Stole $65,000 In Rent Payments, Families Evicted At Washington Road Complex + How To Avoid Rent Scams

Three family members—a mother and her two daughters—were arrested by East Point police for allegedly stealing over $65,000 in rent payments from at least 60 victims, reportedly leading to the wrongful eviction of multiple tenants.

Police say Cynthia Dorsey, and her daughters Destiny Dorsey and Christia Smith, face theft and fraud charges. According to East Point police, the family intercepted money orders and rent checks intended for property management, redirecting the funds into their own pockets.

The scheme targeted residents at the Fulton Pointe Apartments at 4171 Washington Road over several months. Because the stolen funds never reached the property accounts, property management flagged the victimized residents as delinquent, triggering a wave of swift and devastating evictions.

Police say many of the residents had no idea their money was stolen until movers arrived to put their belongings on the street.

In one cruel incident, resident Kayla Sherrod told WSB-TV 2’s Tyisha Fernandes that she was evicted from her apartment alongside her newborn baby while her mother was hospitalized recovering from a stroke. Sherrod later discovered that the official eviction notice served to her listed suspect Destiny Dorsey as the plaintiff.

The trio have worked at various apartment complexes across the metro, including Fulton Pointe. Investigators believe there could be more victims from other communities.

The months-long investigation culminated with East Point police tracking down and arresting all three suspects. Cynthia Dorsey was the final member of the trio taken into custody.

Each woman faces felony charges and no bail has been granted at this time.

In light of the arrests, some of the residents have promised to initiate legal proceedings against the complex and its owners.

If you have any additional information abut this case or another one, you are encouraged to contact the East Point Police Department’s non-emergency line at 404-761-2177.

How To Avoid Rent Scams:

For Current Renters–Get A Receipt, Always:

Proof of Payment: A formal, dated receipt shows you fulfilled your side of the contract. If property management claims you are delinquent, a receipt is your shield against wrongful eviction.

Trackable Formats: Avoid paying rent in cash. If you pay via check or money order, keep your own physical copies or carbon copies, and verify that the receipt explicitly lists the name of the complex or the property owner, not an individual staff member’s name.

For Prospective Renters-Red Flags to Watch For:

Be highly suspicious if you encounter any of the following situations:

The “Out of Town” Landlord: The person claiming to own the property says they are out of the country, on a missionary trip, or dealing with a family medical emergency and cannot show you the place in person.

No In-Person Viewing: They pressure you to rent the apartment sight-unseen or claim you can just peek through the windows.

Cash-Only or Wire Demands: They insist you pay the deposit via cash, wire transfer (Western Union), crypto, or peer-to-peer apps (Zelle, Venmo) before meeting anyone.

The Price is Too Good to Be True: The rent is significantly lower than similar units in the exact same neighborhood.

---