Baldwin County Preacher, Wife Arrested in Multi-Year Rent Fraud Scheme

BALDWIN COUNTY, AL – A local preacher and his wife have been arrested on charges of allegedly defrauding multiple landlords out of tens of thousands of dollars through an elaborate scheme involving unpaid rent and repeated evictions. Dwayne and Erica Dailey face charges of Theft by Fraudulent Renting or Leasing, a Class-C felony, following an extensive investigation by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office state that the Daileys developed a sophisticated pattern of deception over the past four years, active since at least 2021. The couple is accused of renting properties, intentionally withholding rent, and then exploiting the lengthy eviction process to live for free for months at a time. They would allegedly offer various excuses, including “family emergencies” or “tragedies,” to string along property owners.

A key component of their scheme, according to investigators, involved manipulating credit reporting systems. When previous landlords would report negative payment histories to credit bureaus, the Daileys would reportedly challenge these reports, claiming they were mistakes and not attributable to them. This tactic led to the removal of the negative marks, allowing them to secure new residences without landlords being aware of their prior rental issues.

“They would rent the place. They would not pay rent. They would come up with reasons why they couldn’t…family emergencies, tragedies, things like that and they would string it along a few months, never pay rent and then, they were just familiar that it takes a few months to get someone evicted and our deputies would show up, evict them and they’d move somewhere else,” explained Capt. Daniel Steelman with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

While non-payment of rent typically falls under civil disputes, the systematic nature and extensive fraud involved in the Daileys’ case elevated it to a criminal matter. The criminal investigation was initiated after a vigilant Baldwin County deputy, who had encountered the couple multiple times during standard eviction proceedings, recognized a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Deputies indicate that the Daileys both held jobs and possessed the means to pay rent, suggesting intentional deception rather than financial hardship. Furthermore, investigators report that the couple often left properties dirty and damaged upon their departure.

The estimated financial loss to property owners along the eastern shore is significant, ranging between $50,000 and $80,000 over the four-year period.

Neighbors of a recently rented property on Meadow Wood Drive in Daphne expressed shock at the news. “I never would have guessed,” said Alex Hendricks, a neighbor who noted the couple’s surprisingly brief stay. “I know that they were only here for a couple months, if that. They were here just very shortly. I know the landlord. I think they try to rent long-term so it’s surprising it only lasted a couple months.”

In light of the elaborate scheme, sheriff’s investigators are offering advice to property owners to prevent similar incidents. “If they’re running a credit report and they see a previous address, try to reach out to that,” Capt. Steelman advised. “I don’t know that people’s contact information is listed on those addresses, but it would probably take them going to the location, speaking to a possible new tenant if they’re there to find out who the landlord is.”

Erica Dailey was released on Tuesday on a $4,000 bond. Dwayne Dailey surrendered to authorities on Wednesday afternoon. The investigation remains ongoing.