Nelson Sumpter, 42, Pittsfield Township, Michigan, Omar Sumpter, 35, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Paul Rhoads, 35, Novi, Michigan, were charged in connection with three deed fraud cases.

In all three of the cases the defendants used the same scheme. They would claim to be real estate professionals who assist homeowners in selling their property to potential investors. They induced elderly victims to give them information such as property information, personal signatures and multiple pieces of personal documents. They were able to use the information to take possession of the property without the owner's knowledge and consent. The defendant’s later sold the property at a profit. None of the victim's knowingly conveyed their property to the defendant's.

Victim #1: 72-year old female, 1100 block of Glynn Court, Detroit:

The property owner, a 72-year-old woman was trying to sell her house on Glynn Court, which she owned free and clear. Omar Sumpter came to look at the property representing himself as an appraiser. The property owner was asked to sign some documents but there was no authorization to sell the property. Nelson Sumpter allegedly forged a Power of Attorney from the property owner and arranged a real estate closing at Original Title, Troy, Michigan. Nelson Sumpter then conveyed the property to Mr. Paul Rhoads, who obtained a mortgage from New Century Mortgage for $133,000. The funds were distributed to DMC Acquisitions ($64,371.53) for a first mortgage and to DirecWay Mortgage ($64,371.53) for a second mortgage. Both companies list Nelson Sumpter and owner and operator. The property owner never received any proceeds from the sale of her property.

Nelson Sumpter, Omar Sumpter and Paul Rhoads have been charged with False Pretenses over $20,000, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; Identity Theft, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison; Money Laundering 2nd Degree, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses and/or Money Laundering, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Nelson Sumpter has also been charged with two counts of Uttering & Publishing, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison; two counts of Forgery, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison and as a Habitual 4th Offender which upon conviction would subject him to a sentence of any term of years up to life in prison. Paul Rhoads has also been charged with one count of Uttering and Publishing, one count of Forgery and Larceny by Conversion, a felony punishable by up to 10 in prison.

Victim #2: 76-year old female, 12000 block of Memorial, Detroit:

Nelson Sumpter told a 76-year-old woman that he was a real estate broker who specialized in helping homeowners sell their property through potential investors. He obtained personal information under that pretense and then used the information to create a fraudulent power of attorney to obtain her property. Sumpter received approximately $130,000 for this property.

Nelson Sumpter has been charged with two counts of Uttering and Publishing, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison; two counts of Forgery, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison; False Pretenses > $20,000; Identity Theft, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison; Money Laundering Second Degree, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and, Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses and/or Money Laundering, a felony that carries up to 5 years in prison. Sumpter has also been charged as a Habitual 4th Offender, which upon conviction would subject him to a sentence of any term of years up to life in prison.

Victim #3: 66-year old male, 15000 block of Stansbury; 15000 block of Mark Twain; 14000 block of Winthrop and 13000 block of Santa Rosa, Detroit:

Using the same subterfuge as with he previous victims, Nelson Sumpter defrauded a 66-year-old man of five properties. Sumpter realized approximately $384,000 in these fraudulent transactions.

Nelson Sumpter has been charged with 10 counts of Uttering and Publishing a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison; 8 counts of Forgery, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison; 4 counts of False Pretenses > $20,000, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; Identity Theft, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison; Money Laundering Second Degree, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses and/or Money Laundering, a felony that carries up to 5 years in prison, as well as being charged as a Habitual 4th Offender which upon conviction would subject him to a sentence of any term of years up to life in prison.

"ID theft, mortgage fraud and deed fraud continue to create massive problems in Wayne County. We are going to prosecute the criminals who commit the crimes," said Prosecutor Worthy. "I'm hoping this will shed a much-needed spotlight on this issue. It can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time."

Wayne County Register of Deeds Bernard J. Youngblood said, "These are sophisticated crimes that demand sophisticated investigations. We have coordinated a sophisticated task force which has once again proven effective in safeguarding Wayne County property."

Wayne County Sheriff Warren C. Evans said, "Stealing the home of an honest family is among the most brazen and shameful crimes I can think of and Mr. Sumpter appears to have been living like a king by doing just that."

"People who commit deed and mortgage fraud should start getting the message that we will track them down. Certainly, Mr. Sumpter and his cohorts are finding that out."

These cases represent many hours of work by the Wayne County Deed Fraud Task Force.