Detroit Woman Forges Signature To Sell Incapacitated Man's Home: Prosecutor

WARREN, MI — A Detroit woman is facing embezzlement charges after forging a signature to sell an incapacitated man's home, according to prosecutors.

Shagwendola Jerna Crawford, 42, was charged with embezzling $100,000 or more from a vulnerable adult, obtaining $100,000 or more under false pretenses, forgery of a document affecting real property and uttering and publishing a document affecting real property.

She was placed in jail with a $25,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for March 9.

If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison for the embezzlement charge, up to 20 years for the false pretenses charge, up to 14 years for the forgery charge, and up to 14 years for uttering and publishing.

Prosecutors said the man allowed Crawford to move into his home with him in 2018.

In 2024, prosecutors said the man suffered a fall resulting in a head injury that required 24-hour medical care. His family was appointed legal guardians to manage his affairs as he lived in assisted housing facilities until his death in September 2025.

After his death, the man's family learned that his Warren home was sold, prosecutors said.

Investigators said Crawford sold the home while falsely representing herself as the lawful owner. They said she forged a quitclaim deed transferring the property to herself and recorded the deed with the Macomb County Register of Deeds before the sale.

"It is alleged that the defendant falsified a document to take the property of an incapacitated individual," Lucido said. "Exploiting the vulnerable is unacceptable, and our office will vigorously pursue accountability to protect those who cannot protect themselves."