2 LI Men Stole Homes From NYC Families: Attorney General

Two Long Island men are charged with a deed fraud scheme that stole the homes from two New York City families, the New York Attorney General says.

Andy Francis, 62, of Elmont, and Frank Torres, 60, of Dix Hills, are charged with filing fraudulent deeds and supporting documents with the New York City Register's office, which allowed them to acquire the ownership of a home in Brooklyn and one in Queens.

They are each charged with two counts of second-degree grand larceny. Francis is also charged with 12 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and Torres faces 10 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

“No homeowner should have to fear theft of their home from scam artists,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Too often, we see cases where individuals file false documents, forge signatures, and steal deeds from rightful owners. We will do everything in our power to hold these unscrupulous individuals accountable.”

According to James, between September and December 2017, Francis and Torres illegally transferred the ownership of two homes -- one in Laurelton, Queens, and the other in Brownsville, Brooklyn -- from the actual owners to two companies controlled by Torres. James said they recorded fraudulent deed and supporting documents with forged signatures with the New York City Register's Office.

James said that the actual owners never signed the deed or documents, and never gave Francis or Torres permission to sign on their behalf.

"The sheriff’s office takes the threat of deed fraud very seriously and will continue to work jointly with the Attorney General to pursue and arrest those who not only commit deed-related crimes, but, as a result, put law-abiding citizens at risk for losing their homes, said New York City Sheriff Joseph Fucito.