Deed Theft

Stealing a home from an elderly widow receiving hospice care is a despicable act, and that's exactly what a recent case in New York uncovered. A Manhattan woman and a Queens man have been indicted for allegedly forging documents to steal the Queens home of an elderly widow, Renuka Bherwani.

The Scheme to Steal a Home

According to the investigation by the New York Attorney General's office, Deepa Roy, 68, and Victor Quimis, 39, worked together to steal the home that Mrs. Bherwani had owned for nearly 40 years. Here's how the alleged scheme unfolded:

Gaining Access: While Mrs. Bherwani was in hospice care for dementia, Roy began visiting her home, claiming to be a friend. She later tried to move into the home but was denied by the family.

Forging Documents: In October 2024, Roy and Quimis allegedly forged a deed transferring ownership of the home to themselves for free. They also forged other real estate documents, including the notarized signatures and stamps.

Transferring and Mortgaging: Two months later, in December 2024, the duo allegedly used another forged deed to transfer ownership to Hunter Studios & Developer Corp., a company owned by Quimis. Quimis then took out a $552,500 mortgage on the property.

Laundering the Money: After paying off the existing mortgage and liens, Quimis allegedly stole over $300,000. He transferred the money to his company's bank accounts for his personal use. Roy allegedly received at least $15,000 for her role in the theft.

How the Crime Was Discovered and the Law Applied

The fraud was discovered by Mrs. Bherwani's son and daughter-in-law when they found a letter from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection congratulating Quimis on becoming the "new owner" of the home. They immediately reported it to the Attorney General's office.

This case is the first of its kind to be prosecuted under a new New York law that specifically criminalizes deed theft and gives the Attorney General the authority to handle such cases.

Quimis was arrested and charged with several felonies, including grand larceny, residential mortgage fraud, and money laundering. Roy is currently at large.

Attorney General Letitia James stated, "Cases like this one are exactly why I fought to advance new laws empowering my office to prosecute deed theft and protect New Yorkers’ homes."

What is Deed Theft?

Deed theft is a cruel and insidious scam where criminals illegally transfer the ownership of a home without the owner's knowledge or consent. These scams often target vulnerable homeowners, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or people facing financial hardship. Perpetrators forge deeds and other legal documents to steal the property, often leaving the victims with little recourse.

This new law is a crucial step in protecting homeowners and holding these criminals accountable.