Tampa Bay, FL — Authorities are investigating a series of disturbing incidents involving a man allegedly targeting female real estate agents at open houses in the Tampa Bay area by using deceptive tactics to touch their feet.
At least a dozen female realtors have reported similar unsettling encounters with the same man since as far back as July 2024, according to WFLA. The man, described by victims as posing as a prospective buyer, has been attending open house showings, then using elaborate excuses—such as claiming to see an insect on their foot—to initiate unwanted physical contact.
Angela Julian, a local realtor, shared her experience, saying the man asked to see the backyard of a listed property and then claimed she had an ant on her foot.
“I started hopping around trying to figure out where the ant was,” Julian told WFLA. “I didn’t see an ant, but he kept insisting it went behind my shoe. Then he started to unbuckle my shoe and caress my foot.”
Julian said she later posted about the incident online and was shocked to discover she was not alone. Multiple other realtors shared similar experiences with a man fitting the same description. The most recent known incident occurred on April 12, 2025.
The pattern of behavior has prompted the Clearwater Police Department to open an investigation. A safety alert has been circulated among Tampa Bay real estate professionals urging vigilance and encouraging agents to report any suspicious activity.
Realtors are being advised to avoid conducting open houses alone when possible and to keep their phones nearby at all times.
While no formal charges have been filed, investigators are actively seeking additional information from the public to help identify the suspect.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clearwater Police Department.
