Two Southeast Queens residents were indicted for their alleged involvement in a deed theft and forgery scheme that victimized an elderly neighbor, stealing over $1.5 million. Satwattie Martinez, 58, forged documents to transfer her neighbor's home to herself, aided by co-defendant Joseph Uwagba, 68, who notarized the fraudulent papers. Martinez misappropriated the stolen funds for personal expenses, including luxury shopping and home renovations. The Attorney General condemned their actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals faced with such deceptive practices.
"Deed theft is a heartless, terrible crime that robs innocent people of their most valuable possession: their home," James said. "No one should ever have to fear their home being stolen out from under them, especially not from their own neighbor."
According to the indictment, Martinez used forged documents notarized by Uwagba to steal her neighbor's home and approximately $790,000 of the neighbor's personal funds.
Martinez then used the stolen funds for personal expenditures, including paying off credit card balances, shopping, travel, and remodeling the home that she stole.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that starting in November 2021, Martinez preyed upon her neighbor, who had been hospitalized and was residing at a nursing home prior to his death.
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