Introduction to Property Fraud
Harris County is taking a couple to court for allegedly forging documents and claiming ownership of dozens of homes. The couple, Alba and Jarin Martinez, are accused of running a large-scale property fraud scheme. According to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, "This is one of the most brazen property fraud schemes we’ve ever encountered in this office."
The Scheme
The couple is accused of falsely claiming ownership of 35 properties throughout Harris County. They allegedly forged deeds and transferred the property titles to themselves. In total, they used nearly 80 forged or fraudulent property records to conduct the scheme. The couple targeted potential buyers who lacked expertise in real estate transactions or were willing to pay in cash. Many of the targeted buyers did not speak English, making them more vulnerable to the scheme.
How the Scheme Worked
The couple would often tell buyers that they had inherited the properties, which convinced the buyers that they were purchasing from the legal owner. The buyers would then pay without verifying the titles, trusting the couple’s assertions. The couple would then execute fake "warranty deeds" that appeared to transfer the properties to the buyers. In one instance, a person paid nearly $90,000 in cash after being told that their wife had inherited the properties.
The Consequences
The couple’s actions have serious consequences for the victims. They not only lost money but also thought they had purchased a home. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee stated, "These fraudsters deliberately targeted vulnerable homeowners and deceived honest buyers who were simply trying to achieve the American dream." The county attorney’s office is taking action to shut down the operation, restore properties to their rightful owners, and ensure the couple faces the consequences of their actions.
The Next Steps
Defense attorneys for Alba and Jarin Martinez were not listed in online court records as of Thursday. The couple’s fate will be decided in court, and it is likely that they will face severe penalties for their actions. The case serves as a reminder to be cautious when purchasing property and to always verify the ownership and titles.
Conclusion
The property fraud scheme allegedly run by Alba and Jarin Martinez is a serious crime that has affected many people. The couple’s actions were brazen and targeted vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the importance of being aware of property fraud and taking steps to protect oneself. It also shows that law enforcement is taking action to combat property fraud and bring those responsible to justice. By being informed and cautious, individuals can avoid falling victim to similar schemes and ensure that their dream of homeownership is not turned into a nightmare.
