Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Sues Houston Couple for Forgery Scheme, Stealing Over 35 Properties
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has filed a lawsuit against a Houston couple who forged legal documents to falsely claim ownership of at least 35 properties across Harris County. The lawsuit details a widespread real estate fraud scheme that has victimized legitimate homeowners and tricked unsuspecting buyers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
An investigation by the Harris County Attorney’s Office revealed that the couple created fake deeds and ownership records, many of which involved forged signatures and phony notaries. The couple then used these documents to sell properties they did not actually own. In some cases, the homes were sold to buyers who paid in cash and didn’t realize the sales were fraudulent.
“This is one of the most brazen property fraud schemes we’ve ever encountered in this office. These fraudsters deliberately targeted vulnerable homeowners and deceived honest buyers who were simply trying to achieve the American dream,” said County Attorney Menefee. “My office is taking decisive legal action not only to shut down this operation and restore properties to their rightful owners, but to ensure these scammers face the full consequences of their actions. We will not tolerate predatory schemes that steal people’s property and hard-earned.”
In one instance, a victim paid nearly $90,000 in cash over several transactions after being told the wife had inherited the properties. The couple forged and recorded several deeds using the name of a man who died nearly a decade ago. In some cases, the supposed notaries on the documents don’t exist or were never licensed in Texas.
The Harris County Attorney’s Office has already secured a temporary restraining order halting the couple’s illegal activities. The office has also requested both temporary and permanent injunctions to stop the couple from continuing their fraudulent scheme. In addition, the lawsuit asks the court to order the couple to return the properties to their rightful owners, pay civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation in cases involving elderly victims, and pay restitution to all those affected. Multiple private lawsuits are also currently pending against the couple.
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by this or a similar property fraud operation should immediately file a report with the Harris County Attorney’s Office at ScamFreeHC.com.