Arrests in Property Fraud Scheme: A Close Look at the Case in Florida

Overview of the Fraud Scheme

In a significant operation, authorities have uncovered a complex property fraud scheme spanning Hillsborough and Pasco Counties in Florida. Orenthanal James Bennett and Victoria Strickler have been arrested, facing charges of organized fraud exceeding $50,000. This case highlights the vulnerabilities that exist within property transactions, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals.

Targets of the Fraud

Investigators revealed that the fraudsters specifically targeted:

• Homes belonging to deceased individuals
• Properties owned by individuals suffering from health issues, such as dementia

This predatory behavior not only exploits the misfortunes of others but also raises serious concerns about property title security.

Details of the Allegations

Bennett is accused of illegally transferring the deeds of three homes — two in Pasco County and one in Hillsborough County — out of the rightful owners’ names. According to investigative reports:

• Two of the targeted homes belonged to individuals who passed away several years ago.
• The owner of the third property was suffering from dementia, making them especially susceptible to fraud.

The Mechanism Behind the Fraud

Once the deeds were transferred, Bennett allegedly engaged in a series of transactions involving different entities he controlled, eventually selling the properties for nearly $250,000. This process allowed him to obscure the true ownership and deceive potential buyers.

Quote: "When this does happen, you don’t really know about it until, maybe there’s a knock on your door and someone says, ‘This is my property. What are you doing here?’" – Pasco County Clerk Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

The Role of Victoria Strickler

Strickler, who is a title agent, allegedly notarized the deeds after Bennett signed them. Her attorney insists that while they may have had prior business relationships, there was no conspiracy between the two in this fraudulent scheme.

Attorney Statement: "There has been no agreement to violate the law. And, if there was any criminal conduct in any way connected to my client, she was unaware of it." – Bjorn Brunvand, Strickler’s Attorney.

Growing Concerns About Property Fraud

Property fraud has become an increasingly serious issue in Florida, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Pasco County officials note that properties owned by elderly individuals or those with health challenges are prime targets for fraudulent activity.

Protecting Yourself Against Property Fraud

To mitigate the risks associated with property fraud, residents can take several proactive measures:

• Sign Up for Fraud Alerts: Nearly every county in Florida offers a fraud alert system where property owners can register to receive notifications whenever new documents are filed under their names.

  • Benefits: This system allows individuals to recognize potentially fraudulent activity early and take necessary actions.
• Monitor Official Records: Keep an eye on any documents filed in the official record to ensure ownership has not changed without your knowledge.

Quote: "I would get a notification emailed to me with a link to the document. I can go look at the document. I can tell right then if I initiated that or if it’s fraudulent." – Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

Conclusion

The arrests of Orenthanal James Bennett and Victoria Strickler serve as a wake-up call regarding the dangers of property fraud. With vulnerable individuals often targeted, it is crucial for property owners to take advantage of available resources, such as property fraud alert systems, to protect their assets.

For more information on how to sign up for property fraud alerts in Pasco County or your specific county, please visit the provided links. Taking steps now can help safeguard your property from potential threats in the future.