Houston Artist Loses Property in a Real Estate Forgery Scheme Now Being Investigated by County Attorney

Property Sale Reveals Possible Real Estate Fraud

HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston artist’s attempt to sell property he owned has sparked a wide‑ranging investigation into possible real estate fraud. The case now involves several dozen properties across the area.

The situation began in January when metal artisan Mike Scranton decided to sell a half‑acre lot on Elkhart Street. He had owned the land for 15 years. Scranton contacted realtor Tracy Brandon with Boulevard Realty to list the property. While gathering the required documents, Brandon made a troubling discovery. Scranton no longer appeared as the legal owner of the land.

Forged Documents Discovered in County Records

“Tracy called and said someone filed forged documents online and took my property,” Scranton said. He had planned to build a metalworking studio on the lot. “Damn. That ain’t right!”

As Brandon reviewed property records, she uncovered a series of alarming transactions. Several forged real estate documents, including a fake warranty deed, appeared to transfer ownership. Scranton never received notice of the change and had no idea it had happened.

Brandon followed the document trail and identified a woman named Alba Martinez.

“She forged documents, forged my client’s signature, forged notary stamps, and filed them with the county,” Brandon said.

Suspect Linked to Multiple Properties

Public real estate records show Martinez owns at least a dozen properties in the area. ABC13 attempted to find her at several of those locations.

Some addresses turned out to be empty lots filled with cars and trailers. At one nearby home, located just a few blocks from Scranton’s property, a man quickly walked away when ABC13 approached him.

Meanwhile, the Houston Police Department confirmed that officers filed a police report related to the case.

County Attorney Investigates Widespread Deed Transfers

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the transactions on the civil side. County Attorney Christian Menefee said the potential scope of the scheme is significant.

“We started investigating and have since learned about possibly 25 deed transfers,” Menefee said. “All of them look highly suspicious.”

Menefee stressed that residents should not fear losing property overnight. However, he said the county will pursue legal action if the evidence supports it.

“People should not worry that property they bought or inherited can be stolen with a stroke of a pen,” he said. “But we are looking at taking legal action, and we will if we can.”

Calls for Stronger Safeguards Against Forgery

Menefee believes state law needs updates to help prevent this type of real estate fraud. One change he supports would require notarizations to occur inside county buildings. That step would ensure a third party witnesses each transaction.

“It’s obviously a big problem, and it needs to be addressed,” Scranton said. Despite the setback, he remains hopeful the property will be returned to him.

Civil Lawsuit Filed to Recover Property

Attorney Dennis McQueen of Pagel, Davis, Hill, P.C. has filed a civil lawsuit against Martinez and one other individual. The goal is to restore ownership of the property to Scranton.

Officials do not yet know if other property owners have lost land in similar ways. That remains a key focus of the County Attorney’s investigation.