Woman Charged in Alleged Apartment Rental Fraud Scheme

Wake County Case Highlights Rising Concerns Over Identity & Financial Fraud

By Lorene Hardy, Investigative Journalist

Date: January 26, 2026

A Wake County woman is facing multiple felony charges after law enforcement authorities allege she orchestrated a calculated scheme involving fraudulent identification and forged financial instruments to secure an apartment lease under false pretenses.

According to arrest warrants filed by the Rolesville Police Department, Kia Shante Burt, 32, of Raleigh, has been charged with three felony offenses:

Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretenses Felony Common Law Uttering Felony Possession/Manufacture of Fraudulent Identification

Court documents allege that Burt knowingly and willfully used a fraudulent Alabama driver’s license to misrepresent her identity while applying for housing at Cobblestone Village Apartments in Rolesville. Investigators contend the false identification was presented to apartment management to secure approval for a lease she allegedly would not have qualified for under her true identity.

Authorities further allege that the deception extended beyond identity fraud. In a separate charge, Burt is accused of presenting a forged Citi Bank official check as payment for the apartment. Investigators state the check appeared legitimate on its face and was capable of defrauding the property owner, but was later determined to be fraudulent upon verification.

A third felony charge stems from Burt’s alleged possession of the fake Alabama driver’s license, which law enforcement asserts was manufactured or obtained specifically to facilitate fraud and deception.

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The arrest warrant was issued on January 22, 2025, and the case is currently being handled in Wake County District Court. Burt was issued a $3,000 secured bond.

A Broader Warning

Law enforcement officials note that cases involving false identification and financial instruments pose significant risks not only to property owners and financial institutions, but also to communities at large. Such schemes can undermine trust in rental markets, strain judicial resources, and expose landlords and residents to financial loss.

While this case remains in its early stages, it underscores the importance of due diligence, identity verification, and vigilance in rental and financial transactions.

Legal Presumption

All charges referenced in this report are allegations. Kia Shante Burt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legal Disclaimer – The Greensboro Chronicle

Transparency matters. Integrity matters. Accountability matters.

At The Greensboro Chronicle, our investigative reporting is grounded in publicly available records, documented sources, and firsthand accounts submitted by our readers. References to individuals or businesses are made strictly in the public interest and do not constitute findings of liability or wrongdoing.

All allegations are presented as such and remain subject to verification, response, and adjudication by appropriate legal or regulatory authorities. We welcome factual corrections and the opportunity for response from all parties mentioned.

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