New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the conviction of Stacie Saunders, a former mortgage bank branch manager, for her involvement in a deed theft ring in Queens. This criminal operation targeted homes owned by elderly or disabled individuals, selling them without the owners' knowledge and profiting over $1 million from these fraudulent sales.
Saunders was found guilty on all charges after a two-week trial in Queens. She is the last defendant to be convicted in this case led by Marcus Wilcher. The other members of the ring included disbarred attorney Anyekache Hercules, Jerry Currin, and Dean Lloyd. All have been convicted as part of the Office of the Attorney General’s investigation.
Attorney General James stated, "Deed theft is a heartless crime that targets the most valuable assets in vulnerable communities." She emphasized her office's commitment to fighting such crimes and protecting New Yorkers.
The scheme involved locating properties with absentee owners, forging legal documents to sell these homes at below-market prices, and using impersonators to finalize sales. The defendants then funneled proceeds through accounts set up in the real owners' names.
Saunders faces multiple charges including grand larceny, money laundering, forgery, and conspiracy. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2025.
This case is part of broader efforts by Attorney General James to combat deed theft and related scams across New York. Recent actions include indictments against other individuals involved in similar schemes and legislative measures to protect homeowners.
The investigation was conducted by members of the Major Investigations Unit under Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes. Prosecution was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Nicholas Kyriacou and Aida Vernon under Public Integrity Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy.