INDIANAPOLIS -- A former real estate agent who authorities believe conned at least eight people by renting them properties that were actually owned by a federal agency and running off with their deposits pleaded guilty to a theft charge and faces several more.

Investigators accused Richard Swoveland, 38, of Greenfield, last month of advertising the homes on the Craigslist Web site under a fake name, 6News' Rafael Sanchez reported.

Swoveland persuaded them to pay him cash for renting the empty homes that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was in the process of selling, authorities said.

Dave Cole said he paid Swoveland nearly $800 to move into a home in the 1900 block of Blue Pine Lane, only to be told he and his family didn't have any legal right to live there.

"It looked legit," he said. "I don't know what to make of him. He messing people's families."

Swoveland pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge in Hamilton County and faces other charges in Hancock and Marion counties. His wife, Angela Swoveland, was also arrested in the alleged scheme.

Using the e-mail alias of aldrichrentals@gmail.com and the name David Aldrich, authorities said Swoveland met and "leased" homes to several people who responded to postings.

"During the meeting at the homes, the suspect would use a HUD master key to open the front door and allow the victims to view and tour the homes," Indianapolis police Sgt. Matt Mount said in January.

Victims signed month-to-month leases with the suspect and paid him a deposit and the first month's rent, police said.

A message seeking comment was left for defense attorney Heather McClure O'Farrell.