NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced Thursday the arrests and indictments of three individuals involved in a deed theft scheme targeting a Bronx homeowner, along with a series of real estate scams that defrauded vulnerable New Yorkers out of over $250,000. The individuals charged include Marcia Campbell, a Bronx real estate broker, her husband Fred Campbell, and their associate Frank Palmer. Their company, 99 Patmor Ave Inc., was also implicated.
The defendants face five criminal charges in connection with the theft of a Bronx property, including fraudulently obtaining a $500,000 mortgage on the stolen home. In addition, Marcia Campbell was separately charged with 13 more crimes related to real estate investment scams targeting first-time homebuyers, immigrants, and a personal friend.
“Stealing someone’s home and tricking a retired friend into a fake loan to steal their money is about as heartless as it gets,” said Attorney General James in a statement. She emphasized that the scams robbed families of their savings and, in one case, left a family homeless.
Authorities were able to secure a stay of foreclosure on the stolen home, preventing its sale while the case is prosecuted, thanks to a newly enacted deed theft law co-authored by Attorney General James.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “The defendants allegedly stole a house and more than $250,000 from vulnerable people in heartless, greedy schemes,” commending the collaborative efforts of her office and the Attorney General’s Office in pursuing justice for the victims.
The investigation is ongoing as the prosecution proceeds.
