A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictment Of Brooklyn Resident For Deed Theft Of Two Residential Properites

Marilyn Sanchez Allegedly Illegally Transferred Ownership Of Two Brooklyn Homes By Forging Signatures Of Lawful Owners

A.G. Schneiderman Offers Tips And Free Services For New Yorkers To Avoid Foreclosure Scams

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the indictment of Marilyn Sanchez, 49, of Brooklyn, for allegedly filing two fraudulent deeds and supporting documents with the New York City Register’s Office in order to fraudulently acquire ownership of two separate residential homes in Brooklyn, New York.  

“It’s unconscionable that scammers would prey on vulnerable New Yorkers in an attempt to steal their homes – but as property values continue to increase, these sorts of scams are on the rise,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office won’t hesitate to prosecute those who take advantage of New York homeowners. I encourage all New Yorkers to follow our tips and make use of our free programs in order to protect themselves.”

“We remain vigilant in our investigations and arrests of those responsible for deed fraud,” said New York City Sheriff Joseph Fucito. “Our partnership with the Attorney General has been an integral part of our strategy to help New Yorkers preserve their homes. I personally want to thank our Sheriff’s Detectives Francesca Rosa and Nene Kodjoe for a very thorough investigation.”

According to the indictment and statements made at Sanchez’s arraignment in Kings County Supreme Court today, in January 2016 Marilyn Sanchez allegedly illegally transferred ownership of 477 Christopher Avenue in Brownsville from the lawful owners to herself by recording a deed and five supporting documents containing forged signatures with the New York City Register’s Office.  

Additionally, in November 2016, Sanchez allegedly illegally transferred ownership of 271 East 32^nd Street in East Flatbush by recording a deed and five supporting documents containing the forged signatures of the lawful owners with the New York City Register’s Office.

In both instances, the owners never signed the deed nor the supporting documents and they never gave Sanchez, or anyone else, permission to sign on their behalf. 

Sanchez is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony, and twelve counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony.

Marilyn Sanchez was arraigned before the Honorable Judge Miller in Kings County Supreme Court, and entered a plea of not guilty. Bail was set at $7,500 bond or $3,000 cash. If convicted, Marilyn Sanchez faces up to 3 to 15 years in state prison.

These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In December 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman launched the Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative – a grant program focused on enhancing outreach, education, and referral services for homeowners at risk of fraudulent foreclosure rescue schemes. The Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative is part of the Attorney General’s broader efforts to direct resources to at-risk homeowners, including investing $130 million in the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP); since 2012, HOPP has provided free, high-quality assistance to over 80,000 families to help avoid foreclosure of their homes.

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam, the Attorney General offered the following tips:

• Be skeptical of online ads or telephone callers that promise they can get you a mortgage modification or save your home from foreclosure. Only your bank or loan servicer can approve a loan modification.

• Visit www.AGScamHelp.com to determine if a company is legitimate.
• Do not give your personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number, or the name of your loan servicer, to a caller offering to help save you from foreclosure. Your bank will already have this information.
• Never pay an up-front fee for mortgage-related services. It is a violation of New York law to charge upfront fees for such services, and violations should be reported to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-855-HOME-456.
• If you believe you have been scammed by a foreclosure rescue operator or a debt relief organization, submit a complaint to the New York State Attorney General’s Office: ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/Filing-a-Consumer-Complaint

The Attorney General thanks the New York City Sheriff’s Office for its assistance on this matter.