Alleged Scam Exploits Loophole in Property Transfer Process
In a case that has left Florida residents shocked, a couple is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating a property theft scheme that cost less than a dollar to execute.
Victor Rodriguez, 50, and his wife, Michelle Cherry, 33, are accused of forging legal documents to transfer ownership of homes in Tampa and Miami-Dade County, including a property once owned by Rodriguez’s former father-in-law.
The couple’s scheme allegedly involved the manipulation of “quitclaim deeds”—a legal document meant to facilitate property transfers with minimal paperwork, typically requiring only a notary and two signatures. The couple reportedly exploited the simplicity of this process, costing them as little as 70 cents per document.
Discovery of the scam
The plot unraveled when Caroline Sauer, Rodriguez’s ex-wife, discovered that properties belonging to her late father had changed ownership without her family’s knowledge. “We questioned, how did this happen?” Ms. Sauer said. “Who forges a deceased person’s signature? Who does that?”
The fraudulent quitclaim deeds appeared to be an easy way for Rodriguez and Cherry to transfer property titles without the knowledge or consent of the rightful owners. According to authorities, the couple allegedly used the same strategy on another Tampa property belonging to Larry and Dreama Bilby. The Bilbys were horrified to find out in February that their unoccupied, under-construction home had been transferred out of their names.
“I was so angry, I almost couldn’t talk”
The emotional toll of the scam was felt deeply by the victims. “I was so angry, I almost couldn’t talk,” Dreama Bilby told Fox13, recalling the shock of discovering that their property had been stolen with a forged signature.
Hillsborough County Clerk Cindy Stuart explained how the fraud was possible, noting the ease of exploiting quitclaim deeds. “It only requires a notary and two signatures with an address listed next to them,” Stuart explained, underscoring how vulnerable homeowners can be to this type of forgery.
Legal battle and family’s fight for justice
For Caroline Sauer and her family, the crime goes beyond just financial loss. “The hardest thing for us emotionally has been, we’ve just tried to protect my father and his legacy,” Sauer told the media outlet, revealing the personal anguish tied to the crime. To build their case, the family hired a handwriting expert and invested heavily in legal fees to prove the forgery.
Rodriguez and Cherry were arrested in March and have since pleaded not guilty. Rodriguez’s legal team has asserted his innocence. “Mr. Rodriguez maintains his innocence, and our office is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting his rights,” his lawyers said in a statement, adding that they are committed to ensuring “justice and fairness in legal proceedings.”
Property fraud in Florida: A growing concern
The case highlights how easily fraudulent actors can manipulate property transfers using quitclaim deeds, which have minimal safeguards in place. Fraudsters are able to execute the scam with little more than forged signatures and a small processing fee. The simplicity of the scam raises serious questions about the vulnerability of property owners in Florida and potentially across the country.
As Sauer’s family battles in court, authorities are warning homeowners to be vigilant about their property records, ensuring their titles remain secure from predatory schemes. This case serves as a grim reminder of the need for better safeguards in property transactions, where a mere 70 cents can cause devastation for unsuspecting victims.