In a significant move against real estate fraud in Queens, Attorney General Letitia James successfully prosecuted former mortgage broker Stacie Saunders for her involvement in a deed theft ring. According to a press release from James' office, Saunders has been convicted on all charges after a thorough two-week trial. The jury found Saunders guilty of several felonies including grand larceny, money laundering, and forgery in connection with the illegal sale of homes in Jamaica and St. Albans belonging to the elderly and disabled.
The investigation conducted by the New York Attorney General's Office uncovered a sophisticated scheme that swindled homeowners out of properties worth more than $1 million. Saunders, serving as a licensed real estate salesperson and mortgage bank branch manager, played a key role in promoting the stolen properties to investors. These homes were sold at significantly reduced prices to facilitate quick sales.
Saunders' co-conspirators had been previously convicted, with former leader Marcus Wilcher receiving three to nine years for grand larceny and disbarred attorney Anyekache Hercules being sentenced to one and a half to three years for the scheme to defraud. This case marks the conclusion of the illegal operation with Saunders facing five to 15 years in prison on the top count, and additional sentences potentially running consecutively. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 11, presided by Judge Leigh Cheng.
This conviction complements the ongoing efforts by Attorney General James to protect homeowners from scams and fraudulent activities. Past actions include the indictment of various individuals involved in similar deed theft and forgery cases. These efforts highlight the commitment of the attorney general's office in safeguarding New York residents against the erosion of property ownership through criminal enterprises. In one such indictment, Satwattie Martinez and Joseph Uwagba were charged with stealing the home and personal funds of an elderly Queens resident. Additionally, efforts such as the Protect Our Homes initiative and new legislation designed to enhance protections for victims of deed theft, further highlight the proactive stance taken by James' office against such property crimes.
The investigation that led to Saunders' conviction was a comprehensive effort, with Detective Supervisor Anna Ospanova, Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro, and Deputy Chief Juanita Bright leading the Major Investigations Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Nicholas Kyriacou and Aida Vernon, with support from a team focused on public integrity and real estate enforcement.
