Homeowners in New York face new threats with the state's newly enacted deed theft law, as two individuals are now indicted. Learn strategies to safeguard your property.
In a significant move to protect homeowners, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the indictment of Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis for allegedly stealing the home of an elderly widow in hospice care. This is the first prosecution under New York's new anti-deed theft statute, which criminalizes deed theft and gives the Attorney General original jurisdiction.
The indictment follows an elaborate scheme that began in 2022, with Roy befriending the widow under false pretenses and attempting to move into the home. In October 2024, Quimis and Roy allegedly used forged documents to take the property without payment. A second forged deed was used in February 2025 to transfer the home to Quimis's company, Hunter Studios & Developer Corp.
Quimis allegedly used the fraudulent deed to secure a $552,500 mortgage, pocketing over $300,000 in illicit proceeds. The defendants face multiple felony counts, including grand larceny, mortgage fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, both defendants face up to 25 years in prison.
Unfortunately, New York and Texas are currently the only U.S. states with explicit laws criminalizing deed theft. In Texas, there is a growing focus on deed fraud, and in 2025, the Texas Senate passed bills that create new criminal offenses and penalties specifically targeting real property theft. These laws also mandate county clerks to request identification when filing property transactions to prevent fraudulent deeds.
For states other than New York and Texas, there is a notable absence of comprehensive statewide laws specifically criminalizing deed theft. However, various states are advancing different legislative measures related to real property fraud prevention, property record modernization, and title insurance reforms.
For instance, Arkansas is considering amendments to grant title insurance agents access to electronic property records and expand their authority related to real property taxes. Illinois is working on property tax code updates to clarify excess proceeds sale rules. Tennessee has proposed a bill to establish rights and requirements for real property transactions, including settlement agent selection.
Oregon is reviewing a bill that would create a task force to research and develop strategies to prevent title fraud. Kentucky introduced a bill defining terms and mechanisms for partition sales among cotenants. Maryland is considering updates to its land records system to modernize filing, maintenance, and transmission procedures. At the federal level, the proposed SECURE Notarization Act aims to set minimum standards for electronic and remote notarizations, which would help reduce fraud risk nationwide.
If homeowners suspect fraud, they should contact their local recorder's office to verify recent filings, file a police report, notify their county district attorney or state attorney general, and consult a real estate attorney immediately. Homeowners can sign up for a property fraud alert system in many jurisdictions, including parts of Georgia and Florida.
Some title insurance companies and private firms offer title monitoring services that track filings involving a property. Homeowners should keep their contact information current with their local recorder's office and tax assessor. Homeowners should also review all correspondence from their mortgage company, tax assessor, or utilities for unexpected changes in ownership or billing name.
Homeowners can check their local recorder or register of deeds website for online access to property records. If a homeowner's state does not have specific legislation against deed theft, they should stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their property. In states like Pennsylvania, House Bill 1406 has been introduced to define and criminalize deed fraud.
As the number of deed theft cases continues to rise, it is crucial for homeowners to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their properties. By staying informed, staying vigilant, and working with law enforcement and legal professionals, homeowners can reduce the risk of falling victim to deed theft and ensure their peace of mind.
[1] Texas Senate Bill 15 [2] New York Attorney General Press Release [3] New York's Anti-Deed Theft Statute [4] National Association of Realtors [5] American Land Title Association
- The rise in deed theft cases emphasizes the importance of homeowners staying vigilant, as seen in states like Pennsylvania where House Bill 1406 aims to define and criminalize such acts.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Texas Senate Bill 15 focuses on deed fraud, mirroring the efforts of New York's Anti-Deed Theft Statute, which gave the Attorney General original jurisdiction over such cases. Meanwhile, general-news outlets cover crime-and-justice cases like the indictment of Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis for allegedly stealing an elderly widow's home in New York.
