Detroit Deed Thief Sentenced To 3-20 Years In State Prison

A state court judge in Detroit, Michigan sentenced local man Russell Jenkins Daniels last week to serve 3-20 years in prison for his involvement in a deed theft scam in which dozens of people unwittingly bought homes based on bogus quit claim deeds, The Detroit News reports. According to the story:

• "Prosecutors said Daniels, 61, of Detroit, would target mostly unoccupied homes, research their title history at the Wayne County Register of Deeds office and then create phony paperwork, including mortgage releases and quit claim deeds to sell the properties to legitimate buyers. Daniels pleaded guilty to uttering and publishing, forgery, obtaining money under false pretenses over $1,000 and 4th time habitual criminal, which could have earned him a life sentence."

The criminal investigation began when the sheriff's department was tipped off about Daniels' frequent visits to the register of deeds office; his visits attracted the attention of office employees. Before sentencing, Daniels was required to sign 52 affidavits admitting fraud and nine quit claim deeds involving 43 properties in an attempt to assist the true owners of the properties straighten out their property titles.

For more, see Detroiter gets prison in deed fraud.

Go here for Wayne County Prosecutor's Press Release - Prosecutor, Register of Deeds and Wayne County Sheriff Announce Deed Fraud conviction.

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