In a recent development in Hillsborough County, a woman named Michelle Cherry pleaded guilty to property fraud charges involving fake deeds. WTSP reports that Cherry admitted to multiple counts of fraudulent use of personal information and several counts of organized fraud exceeding $50,000 in a Tampa courtroom yesterday.
The fraudulent activity came to light around the same time that new legislation mandated a property fraud alert system for all Florida counties in 2024. This system, designed to notify homeowners within 48 hours of any document recorded under their name, prompted several Hillsborough County homeowners to receive alerts about the illegitimate quit claim deeds Cherry had filed. According to WFLA, the homeowners acted swiftly, and Cherry along with her husband, Victor Rodriguez, were apprehended with the assistance of surveillance provided by the Clerk’s office as testament.
The case has taken a notable turn with Cherry agreeing to testify against her husband, Victor Rodriguez, who faces a multitude of similar charges in both Hillsborough and Dade counties. Spectrum News1 highlights that, as part of her plea agreement, Cherry's cooperation could lead to a reduced sentence, potentially ranging anywhere from 10 to 285 years. Officials have assured that the deeds connected to the properties in question will be stricken from the public record, effectively returning the titles to their rightful owners.
As the legal proceedings continue, a significant date looms: Victor Rodriguez's trial is set for March 10. Until then, the focus remains on Cherry's forthcoming testimony, which is expected to play a crucial role in her sentencing.
