In a recent turn of events, New York Attorney General Letitia James disclosed the indictment of two Queens residents implicated in a scheming plot that defrauded an elderly Queens resident of over $1.5 million. The accused, Satwattie Martinez, 58, and Joseph Uwagba, 68, have been arraigned on charges related to deed theft and forgery, which resulted in the illegal acquisition of property and significant financial assets from their neighbor, who was elderly and vulnerable at the time of the crime.
According to a press release from the Attorney General's office, Martinez exploited her neighbor through the use of forged documents that were notarized by Uwagba, facilitating the transfer of home ownership and embezzlement of nearly $790,000 from the neighbor's personal funds. The victim had been hospitalized and was residing in a nursing home before his death, making him easy prey for such a targeted crime.
“Deed theft is a heartless, terrible crime that robs innocent people of their most valuable possession: their home,” said Attorney General James. The investigation unearthed that Martinez didn't only transfer the title of her neighbor's home to her name but also used a falsified power of attorney to access and pilfer his investment accounts. The funds were utilized for personal expenses, including credit card payments, shopping, travels, and extensively remodeling the stolen home, as per the Attorney General's office.
After having her deeds exposed by a concerned citizen, Martinez attempted to obscure her tracks by moving her neighbor to a different nursing home and directing staff to prevent any visitors. Aside from the grand larceny and forgery charges, Martinez faces additional counts, including criminal possession of stolen property, burglary, money laundering, and identity theft. The top count against her carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. Uwagba, on his part, faces a maximum of seven years for his role in the forgery of documents. It is important to note that the charges against the defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The Attorney General's office extended thanks to the New York State Police, the New York City Sheriff’s Office, and the New York City Department of Finance for their assistance with the investigation and prosecution.
