Local leaders pursuing criminal charges for quit claim deed fraud schemes

by: Aaliyah Seabrooks, Alex Pearson | Oct 17, 2024 / 05:50 PM EDT

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Two people are facing criminal charges for an alleged quit claim deed scam, as local leaders work to hold criminals accountable for thefts through fraud.

“We were able to catch them and finally identify them as culprits and the criminals who tried to do three different incidents on fraudulent deeds,” said Mat Heck, Jr., Montgomery County Prosecutor.

Rosalyn Johnson and Diamond Washington both appeared in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court this week for arraignment.

Washington and Johnson are accused of stealing homes in Dayton, Centerville, and Huber Heights, then reportedly trying to sell them below market value to unsuspecting buyers.

“But if people are going to take this and, again, try to transfer a property fraudulently, we’re going to catch them. A fraud investigator is going to catch them, and we’re going to prosecute them to the fullest,” said Heck.

They now face six counts of forgery, one count of grand theft, and three counts of tampering with government records, among other charges.

Johnson appeared in court on Tuesday, entering a plea of not guilty on all counts. Her bond was set at $50,000 cash surety.

Washington appeared in court on Wednesday, with court documents showing a plea of not guilty on all counts and a cash bond set at $50,000, with a cash surety requirement.

The county prosecutor emphasized their continued efforts to pursue criminals engaging in property theft schemes.

“So we don’t want people to be stung and to be victimized by these criminals,” said Heck.

Johnson is due back in court on Oct. 30.

Original article: https://www.wdtn.com/as-seen-on-2-news/local-leaders-pursuing-criminal-charges-for-quit-claim-deed-fraud-schemes/