New York AG Indicts 2 Under New Deed Theft Law in Queens

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the first criminal indictments under the state's new deed theft law against Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis, who allegedly stole the home of Renuka Bherwani, an elderly woman in hospice care in Queens. The pair are accused of forging Bherwani's signature to transfer the deed of her property into their names, subsequently obtaining a $552,500 mortgage and defrauding over $300,000. Quimis was arrested and charged with multiple felonies including grand larceny, residential mortgage fraud, and money laundering, while Roy remains at large. This case highlights the growing issue of deed theft, particularly impacting vulnerable elderly homeowners, and underscores the new law's intent to prosecute such crimes and protect property owners. Officials stressed the emotional toll on Bherwani's family and the importance of this law in restoring security and peace of mind to homeowners across New York. Authorities encourage anyone suspecting deed theft to contact the Attorney General’s Office for assistance.