NEWS / Notary Public Accused of Signing Off on Fake Deed, Stealing Hospice Patient's Home

A Memphis woman receiving hospice care for stage 4 cancer and dementia narrowly escaped losing her home to an alleged scam, thanks to the watchful eye of her son and the swift action of local police. Now, a 47-year-old man and a 25-year-old notary public stand accused of orchestrating the brazen attempt to steal the property.

On May 17th, 2023, a quitclaim deed transferring ownership of the hospice patient's Memphis home appeared on record, according to The Charlotte Observer. The document, filed by a man with no legal connection to the property, was notarized by a young notary public. Just days later, the woman's son, acting as her power of attorney, alerted police to the suspicious sale. He informed them that his mother, in her fragile state, could not have possibly consented to the transaction.

The son explained that his mother, battling both cancer and dementia, was receiving hospice care in New Jersey at the time of the alleged sale. The man who filed the deed, when questioned by police, claimed to have purchased the property for a mere $8,000 but offered no valid paperwork to substantiate his claim. He further asserted permission to be inside the house for cleaning purposes, again without proof of ownership.

The trail then led investigators to the notary public who had officially validated the fraudulent deed. Initially cooperative, she agreed to meet with police but later vanished, failing to appear for the scheduled interview and remaining unreachable afterwards. This suspicious behavior only intensified suspicions.

On December 12th, justice began to take its course. The man was apprehended and charged with theft of property, forgery, and unlawful transfer of property documents. The notary public, meanwhile, stands accused of official misconduct as a notary public for the State of Tennessee.

While the current status of the home remains unclear, the swift action of authorities and the son's vigilance likely saved his mother from losing her valuable asset in a heartless, exploitative scheme. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those experiencing medical fragility and the vital role notaries play in safeguarding legal processes. The alleged breach of trust by the notary public underscores the importance of upholding stringent ethical and professional standards within the notary.

With over 30 years of experience, A&M Logos International is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the intricacies of notary law in all 50 US states. We always make sure your documents are in complete compliance with the law and can also get them apostilled or authenticated for use abroad. Call us today at (212) 233-7061 or e-mail us at info@apostille.us. You can also apply on our website.