Police were yesterday still looking for a Hawke's Bay conman for questioning over alleged fraud in the Central North Island.
William David Franklin, known as Willie Franklin and possibly also using the surname Carberry, is 46 and was seen in Taupo in April, when he was thought to be travelling with
a woman and two children, police say. An arrest warrant has been issued in Taupo, but police also want to talk to Franklin about other alleged fraud throughout the North Island. He has numerous convictions in Hawke's Bay and Wellington courts for frauds, with a criminal record dating back to 1983.
He is known for targeting potentially vulnerable women, and a Taupo police officer said: "Franklin presents himself as a friendly man and will take an interest in business matters such as motel operations to gain people's trust."
Offences typically involved befriending women, telling them extravagant lies and obtaining money, said at times in court to range from small amounts to life savings.
In 2007, with at least 69 convictions behind him, he was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail and after serving almost two years was back in operation in Hawke's Bay, with rent ruses that led to an order by the Tenancy Tribunal.
At the end of May last year he appeared in the Napier District Court for failing to pay reparation of more than $26,000 due to women he duped in 2003 and 2004.
A judge ordered repayment from his Work and Income benefit, noting it was "the best offer" Franklin had been able to make in terms of redress for his victims.
Hawke's Bay Today has been unable to establish if payments are still being made or if Franklin is still receiving a benefit.
