Love Rat Benjamin Nelson Arrested, fraud on Maddie, Samantha and more women
Alleged love rat captured as more women
Benjamin Nelson suspected fraudster has been imprisoned for the past seven years, leaving heartbroken across the world.
Saturday, Benjamin Nelson was arrested in Cairns after a series of arrest warrants.
He appeared at Cairns Magistrates Court, where bail was issued.
When A New Affair approached, Mr Nelson said he was sorry from the bottom of his heart, blaming his actions on drugs.
"I was a heroin addict, that's my problem and that's my problem," Nelson said.
"I 'm glad I get a second chance at life, but I'm not happy with the consequence of hurting people.
"I 'm facing it all, and I'm facing it on camera now, but I'm particularly apologizing to my mum's family. I miss you and I do love you.
Mr Nelson was charged with five charges of theft, two counts of deceptive detriment, two counts of dishonest advantage and one count of dishonest benefit from another.
Arrests come after last month's A Current Affair exposed Mr Nelson's catastrophe route.
Mr Nelson reportedly convinced young people across Australia he was sick of a number of illnesses, persuading them to pay for his clothes and housing.
"I took him down to meetings in the ambulance, he'd go into the hospital, he 'd come out. It just looked like a cancer survivor, "Maddie said.
"Not only was it my phone bill, it was $6000 from my bank account," said ex-girlfriend Samantha.
"He had nothing but clothing on his back, so I bought him a whole new wardrobe from sneakers to underwear, socks," said another ex-girlfriend, Taleisha.
The ex-girlfriends called and shamed Mr Nelson in hopes of ending his devastation streak.
"I 'd hate someone else to feel the way I'm, and if it means being on national TV and spreading awareness that way so it doesn't happen to anyone, then I'll do it," Maddie said.
"He wants responsibility. Accountable for what he's doing, "Dave 's father said.
More than a dozen women across the world, claiming they were also defrauded by Mr Nelson, contacted a Current Affair.
Frederike Plibel says she lent money to Mr Nelson after his friendship last Monday on a bus from Townsville to Cairns.
"In total it's $500 because I gave him $450 in cash, so I bought him a t-shirt and soap," she said.
Ms Plibel said after handing over the money, she became suspicious.
"I just had his name googled because I was paranoid and then I was really frightened and furious, and I felt really powerless because I didn't know what to do."
A Current Affair understands that Mr Nelson still has other lawsuits to answer in Victoria's home state, but it's not yet clear if Victorian Police will extradite him.
Benjamin Nelson will report to Cairns Court on November 30.